News Summary
Recent archaeological excavations at the Williamsburg Bray School, the oldest known schoolhouse for enslaved children in America, have revealed significant findings. Established in 1760 and operational until 1774, the school focused on the education of both enslaved and free Black children. Artifacts discovered include colonoware pottery shards and slate pencil pieces, which provide insight into the daily lives of those who attended the school. The recent findings will be showcased at upcoming exhibitions, enhancing our understanding of Black education and slavery in America.
Williamsburg
The Williamsburg Bray School, recognized as the oldest known schoolhouse for enslaved children in America, has recently undergone significant archaeological discoveries that unveil its complex history. Established in 1760 by the Bray Associates, a missionary group of the Anglican Church, the school aimed to educate both enslaved and free Black children. It operated until 1774, focusing on reading and Christian teachings that reinforced servitude and acceptance of their societal positions.
Recent excavations led by researchers from the College of William & Mary have uncovered nearly complete foundations of the Bray School and an undocumented cellar, enriching knowledge about its historical context. Tree-ring dating has confirmed that the building was indeed constructed in 1760, adding credibility to its longstanding history. As part of the excavation, archaeologists unearthed a range of significant artifacts, including colonoware pottery shards, slate pencil pieces, buttons, and jewelry—items that provide insight into the daily lives of students and staff over generations.
Significant Findings and Artifacts
The discovered cellar measures 36 feet by 18 feet and is believed to have had multiple levels, further contextualizing the Bray School’s role in 18th-century education for enslaved individuals. The artifacts found at the site will be displayed in upcoming exhibitions at both William & Mary and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, allowing the public to engage with this important aspect of American history.
Documentation and Impact on Descendants
The meticulous work of genealogist Elizabeth Drembus has identified the names of 87 children who attended the school, emphasizing the personal connections to this historical narrative. For some descendants, like Janice Canaday, learning about their ancestors’ education has been a pivotal part of understanding their identities and the resilience of their forebears.
Opening of the Bray School Museum
These findings coincide with the recent opening of the Bray School Museum at Colonial Williamsburg. The museum, which opened to the public on June 19, aligns with the celebration of Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Its mission is to educate visitors about the complexities surrounding slavery and the education of Black individuals in America, addressing the contradictory realities—how educational efforts were employed both to impart knowledge and to reinforce oppressive systems.
Historical Context and Ongoing Research
The narrative of the Williamsburg Bray School underscores the ambivalence of education during slavery. While it provided some measure of learning, it also functioned to maintain the status quo of oppression. In 1930, the school was relocated and has since been restored to reflect its 18th-century appearance, providing a tangible connection to this challenging chapter in American history.
As current research and ongoing excavations continue to emerge, they contribute to the broader conversation about the legacy of Black education and the historical context of slavery in the United States. The revelations surrounding the Williamsburg Bray School not only enhance understanding of the individuals who walked its halls but also expand the dialogue regarding the lasting effects of educational practices imposed during the era of slavery.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Archaeological Discoveries at Williamsburg Bray School
Significant Archaeological Discovery at William & Mary
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Discovery of Historic Williamsburg Bray School Foundation
Additional Resources
- CBN News: Williamsburg Bray School Museum
- Google Search: Williamsburg Bray School
- Popular Mechanics: Historic Black School Discovery
- Google Scholar: Williamsburg Bray School archaeology
- New York Times: Bray School Discovery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bray School
- Washington Post: Williamsburg Bray School Discovery
- Google News: Bray School
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
