January 2019: Dr. Kelly Britt, “The Making of Place and Preservation Policy in NYC Archaeology

Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 3pm

The Lynda Nilsen Memorial Lecture

Dr. Kelly Britt, Brooklyn College, CUNY

The Making of Place and Preservation Policy in NYC Archaeology

Spanning from an 8,000-year-old Indian settlement on Staten Island to a 17th century Indian community in the Bronx, to an 18th century African Burial ground in Manhattan to colonial and 19th century life in Queens and Brooklyn, New York City’s archaeology is rich and diverse. Additionally, the legacy of conducting urban archaeology within the city has its own evocative history. Salvage archaeology projects at the turn of the 20^th century, to mid-century fervent advocates for historic preservation policy and regulations, New York City archaeologists have a powerful story to tell as well. This paper will highlight some of the early archaeological sites that provided the foundation of understanding the urbanization in New York City. Additionally, the paper will discuss the political movements, policy and people that made it all happen. Finally, it will explore the future trajectory for archaeology in this metropolis, as globalization and climate change alter the landscape, policy and preservation of this city’s past.

Unless otherwise noted:

• Lectures are on Sundays at 3PM
• Lectures are held in Spiro Hall, Room 2, Wagner College, 631 Howard Avenue, Staten Island NY.
• Free parking is available in the first Campus Road lot (accessed by turning onto Campus Road from Howard Avenue and turning left at first parking lot).
• The lower entrance to Spiro Hall adjoins the parking lot. Please enter directly from the parking lot.
• Meet the speaker over coffee and cake following each lecture. Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) lectures (September and March) are free and open to all.
• Archaeology Society of Staten Island (ASSI) lectures are free for ASSI and AIA members, students 22 years or younger and Wagner faculty and staff. (Please show ID)
• Others may attend ASSI lectures for a suggested $10.00 donation or may join ASSI at the door.

For further information, or to be placed on our mailing list, please email info@siarchaeology.org