An Archaeological Dig in Urban Baltimore Reveals a Forgotten Past

Adam Fracchia, Assistant Research Professor, is continuing archaeological research on Etting St. in West Baltimore in collaboration with faculty and students from Morgan State, Coppin State, University of Baltimore, and Goucher College. The team is testing lots being renovated by the nonprofit Black Women Build (BWB). Through their renovation work, BWB is providing training and employment in the building trades to black women and offering them the opportunity for affordable home ownership.  

Using archaeology, they aim to highlight the history of this predominantly African American neighborhood by salvaging the archaeology of these lots while prioritizing training and credit for students not traditionally represented in archaeology. The research team was awarded a Preservation Maryland Heritage Fund Grant for the project and to offer students a stipend to offset the cost of tuition.

Their work was featured on NPR's Marketplace program and Maryland Today:

https://www.marketplace.org/2021/01/07/baltimore-archaeological-dig-tells-economic-story/

https://today.umd.edu/articles/baltimore-dig-preserves-past-while-preparing-future-8e38b99b-494b-440a-ae2b-3544b3f1a58a

As they continue their work on Etting St. and West Baltimore, they have several opportunities for building and continuing fieldwork, laboratory work, oral testimony, and community engagement. Please also consider supporting the important work of Black Women Build, https://blackwomenbuild.org/.

Published on Mon, 03/01/2021 - 15:06