The Archaeology of Harriet Tubman's Life in Freedom

Douglas Armstrong is Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor and Maxwell Professor of Teaching Excellence in the Anthropology Department, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He is the author of Creole Transformation from Slavery to Freedom: Historical Archaeology of the East End Community, St. John, Virgin Islands.

Armstrong's work demonstrates the power of archaeology to provide new information, rich context, and clarity to Tubman's life in upstate New York.-- "Cheryl Janifer LaRoche, author of Free Black Communities and the Underground Railroad: The Geography of Resistance" Combining archaeology, landscape geography, and historical sources, Armstrong reveals an image of Tubman demanding support and tirelessly working to create opportunities and resources for those people newly emancipated from slavery. Along with the Tubman story, readers will here find accounts of an inspired archaeological excavation, a coordinated public and private preservation project, and a successful initiative to establish Harriet Tubman's post-bellum homes and workplaces as a National Landmark and National Historical Park.-- "Leland Ferguson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Anthropology, University of South Carolina" Douglas Armstrong presents a compelling story of perseverance in seeking freedom, equity, and reckoning in the past and present. Harriet Tubman's iron will forges interwoven legacies of astonishing histories, archaeology, and social justice.-- "Christopher C. Fennell, Founding Editor, Journal of African Diaspora Archaeology and Heritage"