Investigating the Heart of a Community: Archaeological Excavations at the African Meeting House Boston, Massachuesetts

In 2005, an extensive archaeological investigation occurred at the African American Meeting House in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in anticipation of proposed renovations to the property for the 2006 bi-centennial celebration. Excavations were conducted by the University of Massachusetts Boston in collaboration with the Museum of African American History covering a 19 square meter area of potential impact. This area included the backlot of the historic Meeting House, the south yard of 44 Joy Street property, and the west alley between the Meeting House and 2 Smith Court. Over 38,000 artifacts were recovered, as well as a series of features and deposits. Soil samples were removed for archaeobiological analysis. The most significant features include builders’ trenches reflecting the historic sequence of construction and remodeling of the Meeting House, stone and brick drains, and a trash-rich midden layer. A privy found at 44 Joy Street contained an artifact-rich nightsoil layer corresponding to tenants living on the property in the early- to mid-nineteenth century. Overall, the project resulted in a wealth of information relating to the living conditions, economic opportunities, foodways, health, and daily life of the 19th-century free black community living in Beacon Hill.