Information about the lives of enslaved people in New York is too often missing from the written record or was relayed by those who enslaved them. Archaeology, however, can provide insight into the daily life, values, and traditions of enslaved people. Join Dr. Michael Lucas as he explores how artifacts excavated at the John Bogart House located in Albany, NY in the 18th century provides insight into individuals enslaved and how they claimed some power and control over their own lives through the manipulation of material objects.

After a brief presentation on the John Bogart House archaeology, Dr. Lucas will be joined by Cordell Reaves, Travis Bowman, Matt Kirk, and Lavada Nahon for a conversation on how we can interpret the lives of enslaved people otherwise absent from the historical record through material culture. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration is required.