In Remembrance: Archaeology and Death

In recent years, federal and state governments have recognized their responsibility for the protection of unmarked ancient burial grounds that may be threatened by modern land use activities and natural disasters. The editors have compiled case studies that reflect effective answers to removal, analysis, and reburial of human remains by archaeologists. Each study provides fascinating research from the excavation of historic cemeteries, which has added considerable knowledge to our understanding of factors relating to health, disease, and trauma, and the social histories of the diverse human communities occupying North America during the last three centuries. The volume also represents an important resource guide for archaeologists, historians, and other researchers concerning the sensitive treatment of the nation's historic burying grounds and cemeteries exposed by 20th century changes to the landscape. The Introduction highlights recent examples of the way osteological analysis of burials contributes to our knowledge of past histories. Part I examines several socially disenfranchised groups that are under-represented in historic records. These analyses demonstrate how archaeological and anthropological research can contribute to a better understanding of cultural conditions and life ways of important social groups. Part II consists of articles that illustrate where past and recent traumas and desecration have affected human burials. Part III represents the only technical section, providing a resource guide on professional standards in conducting documentary research as well as fieldwork in the location and excavation of historic burials.

Table of Contents:
Preface by Nicholas F. Bellantoni and David A. Poirier Introduction New Perspectives on the Past by Douglas Owsley Disenfranchised Peoples The First African Baptist Church Cemeteries: African-American Mortality and Trauma in Antebellum Philadelphia by Thomas A.J. Crist et al. Babies in the Well: Insight into Deviant Behavior in Eighteenth Century Philadelphia by Sharon Ann Burnston Folly Island: An African American Union Troop Cemetery in South Carolina by Ted A. Rathbun and Steven D. Smith Recovering Lost Minds: Evidence of Insanity in a Late 19th Century Almshouse Skeletal Sample by Shawn M. Phillips The Invisible People: The Cemetery at Catoctin Furnace by Sharon Ann Burnston Cedar Grove: African American History in Rural Arkansas by Amy Maish, Jerome C. Rose and Murray K. Marks Trauma and Desecration Buried Prisoners in 18th Century Quebec by Gisèle Piédalue and Jerome S. Cybulski Rescue, Research and Reburial: Walton Family Cemetery, Griswold, Connecticut by Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Paul S. Sledzik and David A. Poirier Little Bighorn: Identification of Human Remains from the Custer National Cemetery by Douglas Scott and P. Willey Forensic Archaeology at the Chauncey Family Crypt, Indian Hill Cemetery, Middletown, Connecticut by Nicholas F. Bellantoni and David G. Cooke Disaster and Relief Efforts at the Hardin Cemetery by Paul S. Sledzik and David R. Hunt Resource Guide Locating and Excavating Historic Burials by Douglas W. Owsley, Brooks B. Ellwood and Malcolm L. Richardson Documentary and Comparative Scholarly Research: Context in Cemetery Archaeology by Edward L. Bell In Partnership: Descendants, Friends-of-the-Dead, and Archaeologists by David A. Poirier and Nicholas Bellantoni Index

About the Author :
DAVID A. POIRIER is Staff Archaeologist with the Connecticut Historical Commission, where he is also Environmental Review Coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office. NICHOLAS F. BELLANTONI serves as the Connecticut State Archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut.