An archeological excavation of Walnut Grove Plantation in Spartanburg, SC will take place from June 2 – June 7, 2014. The excavation will serve to enhance the site’s interpretation and build public knowledge of archaeology and its benefits. A Public Archaeology Day will take place on Friday, June 6 to allow visitors to better understand the archaeological process. SC Humanities supported this program with a Mini Grant in April 2014.
Walnut Grove Plantation is owned and operated by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, and its interpretation currently revolves around its role as a backcountry plantation during the colonial period and the Revolutionary War. The archaeological excavation planned in June will help fill in “gaps” in the historical knowledge of the property, particularly as regards the lifestyles of the enslaved peoples who lived there during the 18th and 19th centuries as well as knowledge about the African-American men and women who rented the house during the first half of the 20th century.
The public will benefit from the excavation in several ways. The Public Archaeology Day on June 6 will include demonstrations and lectures. Additionally, knowledge gained from the excavation will be used to update Walnut Grove Plantation’s tour script which is used by docents when conducting tours on the property. A small exhibit featuring artifacts from the excavation will also be put on display in the Visitor Center at the plantation.
For more information about the Walnut Grove Plantation Archaeological Excavation or the Public Archaeology Day, contact the Spartanburg County Historical Association at 864-596-3501 or visit their website at http://www.spartanburghistory.org/.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.
Image: Walnut Grove Plantation, courtesy of Spartanburg County Historical Association
