Welcome to House 44’s Archaeology Blog
House 44 is eager to begin their archaeological study of the first permanent English settlement in America… Jamestown, Virginia. Students have a lot to look forward to this spring in archaeology.
House 44 will meet with Dr. Neil Goldberg so they can become familiar with the tools they will be using for the dig. Students will also meet with Dr. Michelle Marcus, Dalton’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Liaison, to discuss what identity means and how paintings give us clues as to how people lived throughout history. Stephanie Fins, Dalton’s American Museum of Natural History Liaison, will explore how the environment in Jamestown affected the settlement during a trip to the museum with the class.
The integrated curriculum includes novel studies of literature associated with the Jamestown Settlement. Surviving Jamestown, written by Gail Langer Karwoski, is the story of a boy named Sam Collier who is chosen as Captain John Smith’s page. Sam is ecstatic to go on this adventure to the New World. The My America Series includes three books comprising one story of a girl named Elizabeth. The journal-written style tells the story of her family’s experience in the struggling colony.
In conjunction with the Jamestown study, children will also learn about the way of life in London, England during this historical period. What was life like? How did people dress? How did this affect the way of life in Jamestown? To find the answers to these questions, House 44 will enlist the expertise of our very own Scotia Daugherty, who used to teach theater and design costumes.
Scotia will share early 17th century clothing with the children. The ornate garments worn by men, women and children are sure to captivate students. Details such as pearls, jewelry, buttons, hats and fabric texture will be discussed to give the children an understanding of class/economical differences amongst the people of England. This also gives students a look into the world of Jamestown “gentlemen” and why the settlement almost failed. Men, dressed as they were, did not and would not work until the heroic leader, John Smith, governed the colony with an iron fist and the law, “Thee who does not work, shall not eat!”
Scotia’s enthusiasm and knowledge will enlighten the students of House 44 and they will become resident costume designers too. They will also have the opportunity to create their very own “ruffs” to be worn around their necks, as the people of London, and consequently of Jamestown, wore at the time.
As you can see, this archaeology curriculum is very rich and your child will be extremely busy these last few months of school! Please check House 44’s ARCHAEOLOGY BLOG periodically for pictures and more information about our study of Jamestown.