Archaeology and Created Memory: Public History in a National Park / Edition 1

by Paul A. Shackel

Overview

Archaeology can either bolster memory and tradition, or contradict the status quo and provide an alternative view of the past. An archaeology of Harpers Ferry's wartime and Victorian eras confronts time-honored historical interpretations of the past (created and perpetuated by such interest groups as historians and the National Park Service) and in so doing allows us to be more inclusive of the town's forgotten histories and provides alternative voices to a past.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306461774
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	10/31/2000
Series:	Contributions To Global Historical Archaeology
Edition description:	2002
Pages:	194
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.02(d)

Table of Contents

Harpers Ferry: A Place in Time.- Harpers Ferry: A Place in Time.- Occupied Harpers Ferry During the Civil War.- All about Us Was the Wreckage of the Fighting.- A Village of Paupers.- Rebuilding Harpers Ferry after the War.- The Place never Will Be Anything Again.- The Handsomest House in Two Towns.- The Natural Limits of Human Endurance.- A Miserable Mockery of a Home.- The Assassination of Plurality.

Editorial Reviews

‘Anyone with an interest in the Civil War and how it has been retold will find this book of interest; a background in archaeology is unnecessary. The volume is well illustrated, and a thorough references section provides additional sources of information.'
Choice, May 2001
‘...Archaeology and Created Memory is full of archaeolgical data recovered from a samll industrial community and therefore inherently appeals to industrial archaeologists, especially those interested in military history and postmodern data applications. ...presents the reader with historical background and archaeological data from three different areas...that challenge the traditionally presented history of Harpers Ferry, especially by the NPS. ...the reader can gain nice insights into alternative interpretations of the past through the use of archaeology.'
Industrial Archaeology, 27:2 (2001)

From the Publisher

The findings at archaeological sites in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia are examined by Schackel (U. Maryland, College Park) to demonstrate how interest groups created an idyllic past to present to the visiting public. The shorter (52 pages) of two sections describes Harpers Ferry during the Civil War. Section two, on rebuilding Harpers Ferry after the war, examines issues of race, tourism, economic conditions, the brewery industry, the boardinghouse community, and the creation of memory by Victorian citizens. Although the lives of wealthy residents are chronicled, Shackel uses special care to recreate the history of the poor, who left less evidence for the archaeologist to interpret. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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