| Archaeological investigations at the living-history museum of Colonial Williamsburg reckon with evidence of African-American lifeways from colonial to more recent times. The restoration of this eighteenth-century capital of Virginia relocated individuals and communities; dismantled some old social and economic networks, and subsequently created new ones. In spite of the challenges of research that seek to build bridges of relationship and cooperation, the archaeologists are willing to study both the past and present to provide a comprehensive and meaningful account of the town and its inhabitants through time. Their efforts are contributing to a better understanding of African-American livelihood, home, and community in an urban landscape. |