News and Events
Historic Jamestowne
September 16, 2009
Historic Jamestowne is America's birthplace and an essential stop as Chesapeake Semester students explore the nation's history and widen their breadth of a sense of place.
On their first day, the students observed the groundbreaking archeological work occurring at James Fort by Jamestown ReDiscovery. During a behind-the scenes tour with senior archeologist Dan Schimdt, students witnessed real-time archeology as a multitude of artifacts were discovered before their eyes.
Click to enlarge photos by Mike Hardesty '05.
The first stop: Historic Jamestowne.
A model of James Fort, based upon the recent archeological findings—the current investigation began in 1993 and excavations are ongoing.
Students look on as Dan Schmidt excitedly describes a recently discovered feature that revealed itself to be an abandoned well backfilled with trash from James Fort residents, probably in 1610.
Danielle Bellezza '11 and Julia Krout '12 listen as Schimdt explains the archeological work of James Fort, periodically stopping to examine a new artifact unearthed by his colleague to the right.
Students continue to follow the archeology process at the water's edge of the James River where excavated soil, oyster shells, and artifacts are washed and further examined.
Julia Krout '12 holds a sturgeon scute. Food remains were diverse, ranging from fish, oysters, and blue crab, to pig and even horses. During the severe winter of 1609-10, the "Starving Time," colonists of the James Fort were forced to eat horses and their dogs (not to mention rats and even their shoes!). The remains of some 13-14 dogs had already removed from the trash pit. Butcher marks could be seen on the remains.
Liz Shandor '11 looks at different artifacts.
John Smith statue at the James Fort.
John Seidel, Center for Environment & Society Director, stops to explain the significance of the cruck architecture of the Williamsburg Glasshouse.
Glass maker demonstrates the traditional glass blowing techniques of the colonial era.