Unearthing a Legacy.

Dig Mitchelville is the official, publicly accessible digital archive of archaeological and historical research at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

 

Funded in part by Alice L. Walton Foundation

Explore the History

Resources

Since the 1980’s, archaeologists have been uncovering the stories buried beneath Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park—the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States. From the pioneering work of the 1980s to recent community-engaged excavations, each project has added crucial pieces to our understanding of this sacred ground where freedom, democracy, citizenship, and opportunity first took root for Gullah Islanders.

For Educators

For Families

For Researchers

For Community Members

  • Field trip opportunities to active archaeological sites
  • Real-time research updates for classroom use
  • At-home archaeology activities and guides
  • Children’s coloring and activity books
  • Family-friendly community science events
  • Technical archaeological reports and documentation
  • Complete site survey data and analysis
  • Comprehensive artifact database
  • Volunteer opportunities in ongoing excavations
  • Workshop and event calendar
  • Resources designed with descendants in mind
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Explore All Resources
Explore All Resources
Explore All Resources

Archaeology Collections

1980s–1990s

Foundation Work

Led by: Chicora Foundation (Michael Trinkley)
Significance: Established Mitchelville’s archaeological importance, leading to National Register of Historic Places listing in 1988
The archaeological story of Mitchelville began when construction work accidentally uncovered Native American artifacts near Coggins Creek. The Chicora Foundation’s archaeologists found over 25,000 artifacts from Mitchelville-era deposits, including Mitchelville homesites with intact hearths. This foundational work proved that Mitchelville residents were participating in a cash economy and acquiring higher status goods than they had previously owned during enslavement.
Key Discoveries:
  • Four major structural complexes excavated
  • 25,000+ artifacts recovered
  • Evidence of both indigenous Late Archaic occupation and Reconstruction-era Mitchelville
  • Proof of residents’ improved material conditions post-emancipation
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2017

Remote Sensing Begins

Led by: Dr. Katherine Seeber (Binghamton University)
Focus: Initial ground penetrating radar survey
The modern era of archaeology at Mitchelville began with a small ground-penetrating radar survey to test the effectiveness of the equipment in the park’s unique soil conditions. Although this initial work didn’t produce a large amount of data, it laid the foundation for future remote sensing strategies.
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2018

Search for Mitchelville’s First Church

Led by: Dr. Katherine Seeber
Focus: Remote sensing and excavation to locate the first church or Praise House
Explore 2018 Excavation Archive →
Using magnetometry and electrical resistivity, undergraduate and graduate student archaeologists identified places under the ground that were most likely to have evidence of a past building that led to targeted excavations. That summer, a field school (or summer archaeology class) worked to excavate areas around the old Praise House exhibit and worked hard to build relationships with local community members who came to visit the excavations.
Project Highlights:
  • Remote sensing survey using magnetometry and electrical resistivity
  • Community-based participatory research approach
  • PhotoVoice documentation of the archaeological experience
  • Complete documentation available in digital archive
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2019

Data Recovery and Community Engagement

Led by: Dr. Katherine Seeber
Focus: Expanded excavations and visitor survey program
Archive Coming Soon
Building on 2018 discoveries, archaeologists expanded excavation areas and implemented the first visitor survey program to understand how different communities connected with Mitchelville’s story. This work also included ethnographic interviews with multi-generational Gullah Geechee islanders. The project recovered hundreds of Mitchelville era artifacts and strong evidence of a building footprint.
Project Highlights:
  • Extended excavations in multiple operations
  • First visitor survey program implemented
  • Ethnographic interviews with community elders
  • Evidence of both Mitchelville and indigenous Late Archaic occupation
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2020–2021

Remote Sensing Revolution

Funded by: National Trust African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
Focus: Park-wide remote sensing assessment
Archive Coming Soon
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted focus to comprehensive remote sensing across the entire park. This $50,000 matching grant project aimed to assess all heritage resources before any development, establishing HMFP as a leader in heritage preservation planning.
Project Significance:
  • First comprehensive park-wide archaeological assessment
  • Integration of advanced remote sensing technologies
  • Foundation for sustainable heritage management planning
  • Model for other historical sites nationwide
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2023–2024

Visitor Center Preparation

Led by: Dr. Katherine Seeber
Focus: Phase 1 surveys for future Visitor Center construction
Archive Coming Soon
Archaeological investigations continued as HMFP prepared for construction of their new Visitor Center. These surveys ensured that all significant archaeological deposits would be properly documented and preserved before any development.
Project Focus:
  • Systematic survey grid implementation
  • Artifact density mapping
  • Preparation for major excavation phases
  • Integration with architectural planning
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Community Programs

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