Archaeology
Archaeology was — and is — an important tool in discovering Williamsburg’s past. Excavations of historic sites began here in 1928. Discoveries continue today as we literally uncover things people owned, places they lived and even evidence of the specific plants they grew in their gardens, which enable us to better understand their world and their lives.
What Our Archaeologists Do
Digging is just one aspect of how archaeologists learn about the past, its people, and its places. At Colonial Williamsburg, archaeology is a multidisciplinary effort that includes field archaeologists, curators, conservators, historians, and environmental specialists.
Field Research
Archaeologists continue to explore Williamsburg's 301-acre Historic Area more than 85 years after the first excavations began at the site of the Capitol. This work fuels new research, producing the data to examine 17th- and 18th-century life from fresh perspectives.
Our archaeologists can be found in the field year-round, but most frequently during the summer.
Lab Research
Once out of the ground, artifacts are taken to the archaeological lab where they are washed, cataloged, analyzed, and interpreted. In addition to their focus on artifacts from recent excavations, our curators return frequently to previously excavated sites to ask new questions. Zooarchaeology and environmental studies are important components of our lab research program.
Located on the edge of the Historic Area, Colonial Williamsburg's archaeological lab is home to a collection of more than 60 million artifacts—and counting. This collection is a valuable resource for Colonial Williamsburg staff, archaeology students, and outside scholars.
Areas of Investigation
Together, Colonial Williamsburg's archaeological lab and field staff examine topics that take us beyond the boundaries of individual sites. These areas of research are dynamic; they shift and expand as new questions arise. Some of the general areas in which our archaeologists have focused are Archaeology of the enslaved, Foodways research, Environmental archaeology, 17th-century settlement, and Garden archaeology.
Current Projects
Custis Square
Our archaeologists are in the middle of a 5-year exploration of Custis Square, the 4-acre pasture across from the Art Museums where the 18th-century home and gardens of John Custis IV once stood.
African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground
Colonial Williamsburg archaeologists are also excavating the site of First Baptist Church, one of America’s oldest churches founded entirely by Blacks, under the guidance of the congregation. Learn more.
Ongoing Archaeology
Our archaeologists are working to ensure that archaeological resources are identified and preserved. This year, we’ll be conducting several small-scale excavations.
Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center
The center will be a one of a kind facility that ensures Colonial Williamsburg’s incomparable archaeology collection will be accessible to future generations of guests, scholars, and community members.
Archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg
Archaeology is a journey that begins before and continues long after the dig! Discover how Colonial Williamsburg's archaeologists go beyond the fieldwork, utilizing artifacts uncovered during excavation. Dive into the world of laboratory work and documentary research, as we peel back the layers of history to reveal its hidden treasures.
