As a discipline, archaeology often provides amazing insights into the past. But it can also illuminate the present, especially when investigations are undertaken to better examine the history of institutions such as colleges and universities. This book offers a series of case studies to reveal the ways archaeology can offer a more objective view of changes and transformations that have taken place on college campuses in the United States. From the tennis courts of the College of William and Mary to the “iconic paths, lawns, and well-ordered brick buildings” of Harvard University, this volume a ... More

As a discipline, archaeology often provides amazing insights into the past. But it can also illuminate the present, especially when investigations are undertaken to better examine the history of institutions such as colleges and universities. This book offers a series of case studies to reveal the ways archaeology can offer a more objective view of changes and transformations that have taken place on college campuses in the United States. From the tennis courts of the College of William and Mary to the “iconic paths, lawns, and well-ordered brick buildings” of Harvard University, this volume attempts to change the ways readers look at their alma maters — and at archaeology. Also included are studies of Michigan State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Illinois, North Carolina, Washington & Lee, Santa Clara, California, and Stanford.