Upcoming Seeking Liberty Event

Alexandra Jones, Director of Archaeology in the Community, will visit the Banneker-Douglass Museum on May 22, 2008 to present African American Religious Practices in Maryland from the 1600's to 1800's: An Archaeological Perspective.

Come learn about the connections between African and African American religious practices and the objects uncovered during archaeological digs at sites including the Brice House and the Charles Carroll House.

Event Details:
May 22, 2008, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Banneker-Douglass Museum
84 Franklin St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
Free, Registration encouraged.
To register email BDMPrograms@mdp.state.md.us or call 410.216.6186

Archaeology Live!

Archaeology in Annapolis is having a busy week with their current project at Fleet Street and Cornhill Street just off of State Circle. AIA is conducting archaeological digs of the area prior to utility undergrounding work. The project participants began the project without any expectations of what they were going to find and were they surprised when they uncovered a log road from the late 17th or early 18th centuries.

Seeking Liberty's very own Jessica Mundt is working on this project and will be providing updates and information on the project's findings in the coming days, but for now please read the following articles from the Baltimore Sun and the Capital.

Baltimore Sun (4/24/2008)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-md.ar.logs24apr24,0,6204331.story

Capital (4/24/2008)
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_24-43/TOP

Archaeology in Annapolis is expected to continue digging on Fleet and Cornhill Streets for another four weeks. If you have a chance, please stop by and watch archaeology in action. You never know what you might see!

Congratulations on a fantastic find AIA!

The Death's Head

The Death's Head Stamp is the primary image of the Seeking Liberty exhibition but up until this point, we have not actually discussed what it is and why it was included. This small piece of printer's type, on loan from the Historic Annapolis Foundation, was discovered at the Green Print Shop in the mid 1980's. This stamp played a major role in Maryland Gazette's protest against the Stamp Act of 1765.

Jonas and Anne Catherine Green moved to Annapolis, MD from Philadelphia in 1738 to become the official Maryland State Printer. In this role, Green was responsible for printing several different types of documents including contracts, bills, and legal documents. By 1745, the Green Print Shop began to produce the Maryland Gazette, a weekly newspaper which provided news of the day from Maryland and beyond.

On March 22, 1765 Parliament passed the Stamp Act requiring the American colonists to pay taxes on printed papers including newspapers, documents, contracts, and playing cards. The money raised by the Stamp Act was intended to help finance the defense of the colonists along the frontier areas near the Appalachian Mountains. The passage of this act enraged colonists because it was passed by the British Parliament without input from the colonies.

News of the Stamp Act reached Annapolitans via the Maryland Gazette on April 18, 1765. Jonas Green published several articles, flyers, and other printed matter protesting the new act. When he published the announcement that Annapolitan merchant Zachariah Hood was appointed as stamp distributor for Maryland, several Annapolis residents began to take action including the burning of an effigy of Hood in late August 1765.

The colonists fought the Stamp Act in a variety of ways up to and including refusing to pay the tax. The Green Print Shop protested the Stamp Act by publishing the Death's Head stamp on the front page of the October 10, 1765 edition of the Maryland Gazette. When this edition of the newspaper was published, Mr. Green declared in the masthead that the Gazette was "expiring." This issue, number 1066, was the final numbered edition of the Maryland Gazette printed before the Stamp Act went into effect on November 1, 1765.

While the Death's Head issue was the final numbered edition published prior to November 1, it was not the final edition published. Green published three subsequent unnumbered issues of the newspaper, with the final issue appearing on October 31, 1765.

On December 10, 1765 an edition of the Maryland Gazette appeared stating "Apparition of the late Maryland Gazette, which is not dead, but only sleepeth." Seven weeks later, on January 30, 1766, an edition of the newspaper appeared under the headline "Maryland Gazette, Reviving." The January 30 edition marked reinstatement of numbered editions of the paper, with this edition appearing as number 1067. On February 20, 1766 a third publication appeared declaring "Maryland Gazette, Revived." The Maryland Gazette reinstated weekly publication on March 6, 1766.

The British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act on March 18, 1765.

To learn more about Maryland's involvement in protesting the Stamp Act, follow the link below to the Maryland Online Encyclopedia and read an article by Jean Russo from the Maryland State Archives.

http://www.mdoe.org/stampact.html

Charm's meaning

Recently there’s been some interest in the meaning of the hand charms found at the Governor Calvert House and the Maynard-Burgess House. Charms similar to the one pictured here were also found in the former living areas of African American laborers at Thomas Jefferson’s plantation, Poplar Forest in Virginia, and Andrew Jackson’s plantation, the Hermitage in Tennessee.

These charms were most likely sewn on to clothing as decoration or functioned as jewelry charms for a necklace or bracelet. There have been different interpretations for the meaning of these charms. Some feel that the charms are symbolic of the wounds of Christ and therefore have meaning within Christianity. Others believe that the charms have meaning within an Islamic context and are representative of the Hand of Fatima which symbolizes benevolence and good fortune. It is also possible these charms could be symbolic of the Mediteranean figa symbol which is represented as a fist with the thumb between the index and middle fingers. Figas are a symbol of fertility and were used for protection from the dangers of the “evil eye.”

Considering these charms were found in an African American context we may be more likely to interpret them as relating to the Hand of Fatima symbolism within Islam but it’s difficult determine how exactly these charms were used and understood. It is possible African Americans understood these charms to have meaning that drew from all three of the given interpretations.

The above information was taken from Chris Fennell’s book Crossroads and Cosmologies: Diasporas and Ethnogenesis in the New World, University Press of Florida, Gainesville, 2007. To read more about the possible meaning of the hand charms see an excerpt from this book in the African Diaspora Newsletter http://www.diaspora.uiuc.edu/news1207/news1207-2.html.

Race and Consumerism

I thought that the entry Small bottle, large lesson that Genevieve posted a few weeks ago was really interesting. I especially liked how she tied in a reference to the Cosby Show. While this is a fictional account it reminded me that issues reflected in the archaeological past are still relevant today. In particular I was reminded of a newspaper article I read last year. The article is entitled First Grocery Store In Almost Ten Years Opens In Ward 8, and tells about how this predominantly African American section of Washington D.C. has gone without a full-service grocery store since 1998.
Here is the link to the article: http://www.nbc4.com/news/14798498/detail.html

Having easy access to a grocery store is something most of us take for granted. In a poor area like Ward 8, not having access to a grocery store severely limits the options for places where residents can purchase food. Perhaps residents would not be able to make the trip to another grocery store because they do not have access to a car, because they cannot afford public transportation or because of the difficultly of transporting groceries on a bus or the Metro. Residents are therefore forced to shop elsewhere for food, most likely at local places such as corner stores or fast food restaurants. These alternatives certainly would not provide the same healthful options as a grocery store and likely are more expensive per meal. This unequal access to goods has both financial and health repercussions for this poor, minority group. Through this article we see how issues of class and race in relation to consumerism are still relevant today.

For more information on the demographics of Washington D.C. see the following: http://www.neighborhoodinfodc.org/wards/wards.html.

April is Maryland Archeology Month!

Maryland Archeology month is hosted by The Archeological Society of Maryland. This year's poster features "Stories of Liberty: Archeology in Annapolis." Visit The Archeological Society of Maryland website (http://www.marylandarcheology.org/) for more information on ways you can celebrate Maryland's archaeological past.

The website also provides links to a number of programs that offer the opportunity for people of all skill levels to get involved in Maryland archaeology. There is also a calendar of events scheduled throughout the month of April and a number of interesting pieces on specific artifacts found in Maryland.

Enjoy the site and we hope to see you at some of the events!

Small bottle, large lesson

This small blue bottle tells quite a story about how African Americans in Annapolis fought racism in the market place.

The bottle was uncovered at the Maynard-Burgess House. This house was constructed in 1848 by John Maynard, a free black man living in Annapolis. Maynard and his descendents lived in the house until 1921 when it was purchased by Willis Burgess, a former boarder in the residence. This house was occupied until the 1980's.

When archaeology digs were conducted at the Maynard-Burgess House, several bottles from national brands were uncovered including this small Bromo Seltzer bottle. Many African American households purchased nationally produced goods in the market as a means of fighting price variances. When purchasing locally produced goods at the local market, African American customers would often encounter fluxuating prices based on their skin color as opposed to white customers who would frequently receive lower prices on goods as well as better quality items. Goods produced nationally were subject to fixed prices which were frequently marked on the packaging, prohibiting merchants from increasing the price for individual customers.

In addition to finding high numbers of bottles from national brands at the Maynard-Burgess House, archaeologists uncovered a large proportion of animal bones, providing a glimpse into the diet of the occupants of the house. These bones came from domesticated animals including cows, sheep, and pigs which were commercially butchered as well as a considerable number of fish bones. The presence of large numbers of fish bones has led archaeologists to believe that the residents of the Maynard-Burgess House were most likely fishing privately to supplement their diet and circumvent the marketplace.

These actions provide food for thought when considering the marketplace today. It brings to mind an old episode of The Cosby Show where three of the show's characters went into a neighborhood supermarket that had poor quality goods and high prices as compared to the goods and prices at another branch of the same supermarket chain in a more affluent neighborhood. As a means of protest, these characters partnered with area residents to picket the store as well as organize a penny protest where people paid for their groceries in coins and small denominations, slowing the store's checkers and causing other customers to leave the store. The protests were able to affect change on the show.

While this was a tv episode, it certainly reflects real life issues today. Have you noticed fluxuating availability and quality of produce and meat depending on where you shop? What issues have you encountered when shopping related to variations in price and quality? What have you done when confronted with this situation?

Input on the Tortoise Shell

After viewing the exhibit Joseph M. Murphy of Georgetown University wrote Mark Leone with his comments regarding the tortoise shell artifact on display. With his permission I've included an excerpt from his email below.

"One item grabbed my attention in particular, the carved tortoise shell from Brice House. The plaque explaining it seemed to invite speculation about its meaning, so I thought I would pass on to you an idea of mine for whatever its worth. In the Afro-Cuban Lucumi traditions that I've studied the tortoise "ayapa" is sacred to the orisha Oshun, but also to Shango, the orisha of lightning. The placement of the shell at the base of the lightning rod at Brice House at least suggests the practice of offerings to Shango at lightning-attracting trees such as the araba in Yorubaland and the ceiba and royal palm in Cuba (and Miami). Anything "touched by lightning" in this way would carry Shango's power or "ashe"... I, of course, have no idea if any of the practices by the African Americans in Brice House are specifically Yoruba and we've learned with great profit to seek the African origins of African American practices from the baKongo. Still it's an interesting connection."

Thank you for your interest!

More on the Tortoise Shell

The carved tortoise shell shown below was found in the Brice House yard at the base of a lightning rod, near a downspout. This tortoise shell was part of a compact cache of artifacts intentionally placed in this location. The cache also contained oyster shells, a crystal decanter top, and a pierced coin. Through reading the work of Robert Ferris Thompson of Yale who is a scholar of West African religious traditions, Dr. Mark Leone found that within these traditions spirits are associated with beams of light and reflective objects. In this case, the lightning rod provided a pathway for the spirit, while the crystal held the spirit. Caches were buried in particular places in order to conjure and control spirits for a specific purpose such as curing, protecting or causing harm to another person. Without knowing the complete situation in which the cache was created we can only guess at its intended purpose. While bone and shell are common elements found in caches, carved pieces such as the tortoise shell shown here are less common. Archaeologists are still unclear as to what this carved image may represent. As always we are open to your suggestions!

The above information was taken from Mark Leone's book The Archaeology of Liberty in an American Capital: excavations in Annapolis (University of California Press, 2005).

Tortoise Shell Artifact

Adding on to the “Artifact of the Week” I wanted to highlight a particular artifact that was also found at the Brice House. This carved tortoise shell was found in a cache which was located at the base of a lightning rod in the yard of the Brice House. This cache, like the cosmogram found in the East Wing of the Brice House, is also related to West African spiritual practices.

Thank you!

I agree…the exhibit opening went really well! After all the time and energy spent by everyone on this exhibit it was really satisfying to take a step back and just enjoy the completed result. It was especially interesting to see and hear people’s reactions to the exhibit. It seems like each person sees and understands an exhibit differently. I think everyone was particularly impressed by the African American artifacts on display which were found beneath the floor boards at the Brice House. One of the archaeologists, Matt Cochran who originally excavated these materials attended the opening and was especially excited to see these objects out of storage and on display for the public. My advisor at the University of Maryland, Dr. Stephen Brighton, was impressed by the variety of glass bottles found at the Maynard-Burgess house. He related them to his work involving Irish immigrants and their use of manufactured goods. My 10 year old cousin loved the Reynolds tavern case especially the animal bones on display. He was a little disappointed when he found out they were not dinosaur bones! I overheard one visitor comment about the marbles on display from the Maynard-Burgess House. She was struck by how these simple objects have been around for so long and how they are still being used. Seeing people connect with the artifacts in this way made me realize that our exhibit is a success! The whole idea behind the Seeking Liberty theme is to use archaeology to show how the citizens of Annapolis live together as one community but also as separate communities at the same time. We show how different citizens have fought in different ways to overcome prejudice and to move toward greater equality. When a visitor connects with an artifact and understands how the people who use this object are very different but also the same our message is clear. I hope that our exhibit fosters a sense of curiosity and acceptance for others no matter how different and/or similar they may be.

I want to say thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put this exhibit together. This was the first time I have ever been involved in the development of a museum exhibit and I had a great time. I was lucky to have some really great teachers to work with. Thank you especially to Banneker-Douglass Museum staff Amelia Harris, Genevieve Kaplan and Wendi Perry and to Amelia Chisholm and Dr. Mark Leone from Archaeology in Annapolis who have taught me what goes into developing an exhibit.

Also, thanks to everyone who came out on opening day. We really appreciate your support and would love to hear your comments.

Thank you!

Exhibit Opening-March 4th

Wow...Thanks to everyone who attend the opening on Tuesday night, we had a great turnout. There was a lot of pomp and circumstance, as befitting a project celebrating the 300th year of the Annapolis Royal Charter. We had numerous speakers, from all of our affiliated organizations, and even the the official Annapolis town crier as master of ceremonies (Check out the photo to the right!)

I'd especially like to thank Dr. Mark Leone, Mayor Ellen Moyer, and Director Wendi Perry for making this opportunity possible, it has been great working on this project. I'd also like to thank the entire staff of the Banneker-Douglass Museum for their work on the exhibit, most especially Amelia Harris, exhibits specialist, because without her vision we would be looking at blank walls in that exhibit gallery! I would also like to congratulate everyone on a job well done, this has been a long 4 months, and for some of us a long 18 months, and I am really appreciative. (In the photo: staff of the museum, Archaeology in Annapolis, and Mayor Moyer, who all collaborated on "Seeking Liberty.")

Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone who came to the opening to see our work, I am very proud of what we have done, and I am glad it garnered such interest. I would particularly like to thank my friends and colleagues at the University of Maryland, College Park for their attendance in number! (see photo to the right)

Thanks again!

(All photographs were taken by Matthew Palus)

Cell phone tour

How many times have you walked into an exhibition and wanted to learn more about the objects on display but didn't want to pay the fee or deal with the bulky hardware of a wand-based tour? Have you ever wanted to hear from the exhibition designers and curators about why they included certain objects in an exhibit or what they believe are the most interesting objects and stories?

One of the new and truly unique components of the Seeking Liberty exhibition is the free cell phone tour. This tour has been generating quite a bit of buzz from anyone who has heard about it and people are very intrigued as to what it is. The cell phone tour is the first of its kind in Annapolis and one of a small but growing number in Maryland.

The cell phone tour works just like a wand-based tour with the benefits of not needing to rent equipment or training on how to use the hardware. Users simply call the exhibition's cell phone number and then enter the stop number they would like to listen to. Users also have the capability to provide their feedback on the cell phone tour. The tour is free of charge to visitors with the exception of however many minutes they use up on their cell phone plan.

Cell phone tours were introduced in museums a few years ago and have been quickly increasing in number. Visitors find them easy to use and as most people have cell phones there is no need to provide the necessary equipment.

The tour will be tested throughout the next few weeks to see how users respond to it and to find out what they would like to learn more about. After we evaluate the feedback from the testing phase, we will record several additional stops to include commentary from the exhibit guest curator, Dr. Mark Leone of the University of Maryland's Archaeology in Annapolis program, as well as other exhibition team members. As the exhibition expands to include interpretive panels at each of the five sites featured in the tour, the cell phone tour will add stops to incorporated each of these buildings as well.

We invite you to come and try the cell phone tour for yourself and let us know what you think. We are very interested in learning about what objects and subjects you would like to see featured on the tour.

Another great feature of this tour is that people can leave their cell phone number in the feedback section and be signed up to receive text messages with information on upcoming events or to have the exhibition website and blog addresses. Visitors will soon have the ability to download the cell tour as a podcast as well.

The Seeking Liberty exhibition cell phone tour was funded in part by a generous grant from the Four Rivers Heritage Area. The cell phone tour is distributed by Guide by Cell.

Links to more information on cell phone tours:

USA Today - This article highlights cell phone tours as city walking guides.

Washington Post - This article highlights cell phone tours at the Baltimore Museum of Contemporary Art.

Other local cell phone tours:

Baltimore
Baltimore Museum of Art
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
Museum of Contemporary Art

Washington DC
Congressional Cemetery Walking Tour
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Decatur House
Folger Shakespeare Library
Library of Congress
Lincoln Memorial
National Arboretum
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Phillips Collection
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Woodrow Wilson House

Opening Day!

Seeking Liberty officially opens today with a reception from 4-7 pm at the museum. Attendees will be treated to several opportunities to explore the exhibit and the various technology-based components attached to the exhibition.

The Seeking Liberty website will go live today, allowing people to explore the exhibit and its objects even if they can not make it to the museum. The website will also feature an "Artifact of the Week" segment which will highlight a different object in the exhibit every week. The current object of discussion is the Hand of Fatima found at the Governor Calvert House. This feature will also be posted to the blog to allow for your feedback and observations. To see the exhibit website, follow the link below.

http://www.bsos.umd.edu/anth/aia/seeking_liberty/

Please let us know what you think about this blog and what you would like to see posted on it throughout the year. We are always looking for guest authors to give us a post!

Press Day at the Museum

In the week leading up to the opening of Seeking Liberty, we have had several reporters in the museum. Below are links to articles appearing in newspapers throughout the area.

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/01/AR2008030101672.html

The Capital
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/03_01-02/NBH

Capital News Service as picked up by WTOP radio
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=1355301