News Summary

Archaeologists in Williamsburg have unveiled the near-complete foundation of the historic Bray School, shedding light on early education for Black children in America. Previously thought to be only partially intact, the discovery includes a significant cellar and various artifacts, offering new insights into the lives and education of individuals associated with the school. Plans for permanent exhibits are underway, reinforcing the importance of this educational establishment in the context of American history.

Williamsburg Uncovers Historic Bray School Foundation, Shedding Light on Early Black Education in America

Williamsburg, VA – Archaeologists have uncovered the near-complete foundation of the historic Williamsburg Bray School beneath William & Mary’s Robert M. Gates Hall. This discovery, made during preliminary work for renovation of the building in spring 2023, includes a previously undocumented cellar that adds significant context to the educational history of Black children in early America.

The Williamsburg Bray School, known for its unique focus on educating both free and enslaved Black children, operated from 1760 to 1774. Before the recent excavation, researchers believed that the school’s foundational structures were only partially intact. The current findings reveal not only the school’s foundation but also a cellar that measures approximately 36 feet by 18 feet, featuring two distinct floor levels. Unlike many contemporary structures, this cellar is not brick-lined, suggesting it may have been dug in the early stages of the building’s establishment.

Among the artifacts recovered from the site are several historically significant items, including colonoware pottery, slate pencil fragments, buttons, and jewelry, dating back from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Notably, a glass shard depicting Minerva, the Roman goddess associated with wisdom and arts, and various items connected to residents from the 1920s have also been discovered. These findings provide an intriguing glimpse into the daily lives and education of individuals associated with the Bray School.

Plans are currently being developed to create a permanent exhibit incorporating these archaeological discoveries at Gates Hall, in collaboration with the descendants of the Williamsburg Bray School community. In addition, some of the artifacts will be displayed at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s upcoming Campbell Archaeology Center, which is slated to open in 2026.

Significance of the Bray School

The Bray School was established by the Associates of Dr. Bray, focusing on both education and the indoctrination of enslaved children regarding their societal roles. The importance of this establishment has been reinforced through the confirmation of its original building in 2020 via dendrochronology, which provided accurate dating of the structure. The original school building was relocated for preservation in 2023 and is set to officially open to the public on June 19, 2025, coinciding with Juneteenth, a significant date in American history.

Now preserved as a museum, the Williamsburg Bray School serves to illuminate the educational experiences of Black children in the 18th century, contributing to a deeper understanding of their struggles and advancements. This recent discovery adds further documentation to the narrative of African Americans’ contributions to the historical fabric of Williamsburg, emphasizing the vital role education played during this period.

The Broader Context

The revelation of the near-complete foundation and cellar offers an unprecedented opportunity to understand early Black education in North America. By highlighting the existence of the Bray School, historian insights into early education practices and the societal conditions surrounding Black children can now be gathered and disseminated through the planned exhibits and educational programs.

The legacy of the Bray School emphasizes the importance of education as a pathway to empowerment for marginalized populations, a theme that resonates through American history and continues to be relevant today. As work continues at the site, the archaeological findings will surely inform future generations about the complexities of Black educational experiences in colonial America.

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HERE Resources

Archaeologists Uncover Williamsburg Bray School Foundation
Williamsburg Bray School Opens as Museum of Black Education
Discovery of Historic Williamsburg Bray School Foundation
Significant Archaeological Discovery at Bray School Site
Discovery of Williamsburg Bray School Foundation
Williamsburg Bray School for Black Children Opens to Public
Archaeological Discoveries at Williamsburg Bray School
Williamsburg Live Brings Vibrant Performances to the Community
Archaeological Discoveries at Williamsburg Bray School Site
Juneteenth Celebrations Planned in Greater Williamsburg

Additional Resources

• Coastal Virginia Magazine: Discovering the Bray School
• Popular Mechanics: Historic Black School Discovery in Virginia
• Smithsonian Magazine: Archaeologists Unearth Artifacts from Historic Black School
• Washington Post: Williamsburg Bray School Discovery
• New York Times: Bray School Virginia
• Wikipedia: Bray School
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• Google Search: Williamsburg Bray School