Upcoming public program series, Digging the Moment, about archaeology in New York. There will be three events in the series, included below:
- Reports from the Field on Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 pm – Join us for an exploration of archaeological discoveries in New York’s boroughs. The discussion will cover a wide range of “unearthed” topics, including evidence of a Jack the Ripper suspect, archaeology in a fourth grade classroom, and an archaeological survey of an abandoned homeless encampment at Pelham Bay Park.
- The Hidden History of City Hall Park Walking Tour on Sunday, May 22 at 1 pm – Archaeologist Alyssa Loorya leads a walking tour to reveal the hidden history of City Hall Park and shares insights related to her work excavating beneath Manhattan’s bustling streets.
- Unearthing New York City’s African American History on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 pm – Archaeologists, historians, and public officials discuss excavations focused on the city’s African American ancestors, as well as present-day efforts to bring their untold stories to the public.
Digging the Moment: Reports from the Field
Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 pm at the Museum of the City of New York
Join the intrepid urban archaeologists of New York City (PANYC) for an evening of enlightening and entertaining presentations that highlight PANYC’s longevity and the breadth of its membership around the five boroughs. The discussion will cover a wide range of “unearthed” topics, including evidence of a Jack the Ripper suspect, archaeology in a fourth grade classroom, and an archaeological survey of an abandoned homeless encampment at Pelham Bay Park.
- Jessica Striebel MacLean, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Columbia University
- Meredith Linn, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Barnard College
- Courtney Singleton, Graduate Student in Columbia University’s Department of Anthropology
- Miriam Sicherman, Third- and fourth-grade teacher at Children’s Workshop School
- Elizabeth Meade, Technical Director and Archaeologist at AKRF, Inc.
Digging the Moment: The Hidden History of City Hall Park
Sunday, May 22 at 1:00 pm at the Museum of the City of New York
Most people know City Hall Park as the center of city government, but did you know that British soldiers were once housed there during the Revolutionary War? Or that there was an almshouse and a prison right next door? Join us for a walking tour with archaeologist Alyssa Loorya to discover the hidden history of the park from its early Dutch beginnings through the present day. With more than 15 years of experience excavating in lower Manhattan, Loorya will share stories from the Park’s colorful history and insights into digging beneath Manhattan’s bustling streets. The total length of the tour will be less than 3/4 of a mile.
Digging the Moment: Unearthing New York City’s African American History
Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30 pm at the Museum of the City of New York
Since colonial times, African Americans have played a major role in the development of New York City—although their contributions have often gone unrecognized and unacknowledged. Today, archaeological investigations are one way that we can unearth and recapture these stories to not only develop a more accurate record of the past but also to contribute to the city’s cultural diversity. Join noted archaeologists, historians, and public officials for a conversation about excavations focused on the city’s African-American ancestors, as well as present-day efforts to bring these untold stories to the public.
- Amanda Sutphin, Director of Archaeology, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
- Sharon Wilkins, Co-chair, Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force
- Cynthia Copeland, President, Institute for the Exploration of Seneca Village History
- Diana Wall, Professor, The CUNY Graduate Center