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Archeological Testing Derived from Ethnographic Overview and Assessment: African Americans at Arkansas Post
Arkansas Post National Memorial » Archeological Testing Derived from Ethnographic Overview and Assessment: African Americans at Arkansas Post » Document List
This project will focus on archeological field testing from research data gathered on the involvement of African Americans in historic developments at Arkansas Post National Memorial. Historic resources indicate that African Americans have been present at the post and environs since the early Historic period, but details are sparse through the Fur Trade and Territorial periods, with slightly more evidence known for the Civil War period. It is not until the post-Civil War that historic records on African Americans are more readily available. Census data indicates a significant proportion (more than half) of the local population is African American; this, and the prevalence of inter-generational continuity (for both African- and Euro-American communities) in Desha County suggest that the local African American community has significant historic connections to cultural resources at ARPO. This project will initiate a targeted ethnographic, historic, and archeological study to identify connections, assess significant gaps in the data, and develop interpretation of the African American history at Arkansas Post. In Year 1 (current phase), the NPS will initiate an ethnographic overview and assessment, focused on African American resources at the Memorial Unit. In Year 2, this research will be synthesized and any geospatial data incorporated into the ARPO CR base map, enhancing the current CLR with information specific to African American culture and history. Work in Year 3 will test historic connections in the archeological record, incorporating geophysical and traditional techniques as appropriate. This work will involve local educators and other stakeholders in investigations. Lesson plans and distance learning modules will result, and the park will incorporate results of the overall project into museum exhibits.