While on sabbatical, Dr. Shackel is giving a lecture at the Australian National University on “An archaeology of race and memory in America’s heartland" as part of CAR seminar series.
“New Philadelphia, a town founded in 1836 by a freed African American, no longer exists on the Illinois landscape. A collaborative archaeology project worked with descendant and local communities to help make the story part of the national public memory. We encouraged student, community and descendent interaction while making all groups more aware of the historical issues related to race and racism in a region that has been known to be hostile toward African Americans. This work is helping to fosterer an attitude of inclusion and diversity as we help preserve the memory of the place.”
