Significant Archaeological Discovery at Bray School Site

Archaeologists uncover the foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School, revealing artifacts that shed light on Black education history.

News Summary

William & Mary archaeologists have uncovered the 18th-century foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School, America’s oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children. The intact foundation and its associated cellar have revealed numerous artifacts, providing insight into the lives of the school’s attendees. The Bray School, operational in the 1760s, played a crucial role in educating enslaved children and has since evolved into a historical site aimed at preserving the legacy of Black education. Ongoing excavations promise to further illuminate this vital chapter in American history.

williamsburg, va — Archaeologists from William & Mary have made a significant discovery with the unearthing of the 18th-century foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School, recognized as America’s oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children. The announcement regarding this pivotal find was issued on Wednesday, February 2025.

The foundation, which remains nearly completely intact, lies alongside a cellar that is rich in historical artifacts. Among the items discovered are fragments of slate pencils, jewelry, ceramics, and other objects that represent a variety of time periods, providing a tangible connection to the lives of the individuals who once inhabited the site.

The Williamsburg Bray School functioned in the 1760s, playing a crucial role in the education of hundreds of primarily enslaved children. The institution aimed to rationalize slavery through a religious framework, while simultaneously fostering literacy skills among its students. The educational environment encouraged students to share their newfound knowledge with family members, thereby empowering them and expanding their agency through education.

Historical Context and Significance

Following its initial purpose, the Bray School building later transitioned to serve as a dormitory for women at William & Mary who were among the first to attend college in the United States. Over the years, the school has been integrated into the campus of William & Mary and has been modified for various uses, reflecting its evolving role in the community.

In 2020, historians successfully identified the structure of the schoolhouse through tree-ring analysis, a technique that allows for precise dating of timber used in its construction. The site had been moved to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a living history museum that focuses on preserving and interpreting the city’s historical significance.

The recent excavation is part of ongoing archaeological work that coincides with renovations of Gates Hall at William & Mary. Tom Higgins, the director at the university’s Center for Archaeological Research, mentioned that the cellar had remained largely undisturbed over the centuries, allowing for the preservation of artifacts that give insight into the daily lives and experiences of the school’s attendees.

Discoveries and Ongoing Research

Among the newly discovered items is a glass shard depicting Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, which symbolizes the educational pursuits of the school. Additionally, items characteristic of enslaved communities, such as handmade ceramics and personal belongings, have been unearthed, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who were part of this historical chapter.

The Bray School primarily served a demographic that faced significant societal challenges, marking a vital point in the history of Black education in America. The excavation process aims not only to recover artifacts but also to educate the public about the origins and evolution of Black education. A museum has officially opened at the site, showcasing the artifacts alongside the rich history of the Bray School.

William & Mary has plans to integrate the findings into a permanent exhibit within the renovated Gates Hall, ensuring that the legacy of the Bray School and the story of its students is preserved and shared with future generations. Excavations are still underway, and further analysis is expected to yield more insights into this historically significant site.