News Summary
Archaeologists have uncovered the nearly complete foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School, one of America’s oldest institutions for Black children. The excavation, part of renovations for Gates Hall at William & Mary, revealed a cellar and numerous 18th to mid-20th century artifacts, including pottery linked to enslavement. This historic site, operational from 1760 to 1774, played a crucial role in the education of free and enslaved Black children. The findings illustrate the broader narrative of Black education in America, enriching the history of Williamsburg and its ties to African American heritage.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Archaeologists have made a significant discovery by unearthing the nearly complete foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School, recognized as one of America’s oldest educational institutions for Black children. This historic site was operational from 1760 to 1774 and is located on the campus of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The excavation, which was carried out during renovations for Gates Hall, revealed a cellar measuring 36 feet by 18 feet that was not lined with bricks. This suggests that the cellar was likely dug shortly after the building’s foundations were laid. The discovery marks an important milestone in understanding the educational history of African Americans.
During the excavation, a variety of artifacts were retrieved from the site that date back from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Significant finds include fragments of slate pencils, jewelry, pottery shards, buttons, and ceramics. Notably, Colonoware pottery linked to enslavement was also uncovered, which offers insight into the lives of African Americans during that time period. One particularly special artifact was a shard of glass featuring Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, war, justice, and the arts.
The Williamsburg Bray School was established with the dual intention of teaching both free and enslaved Black children. This institution aimed to rationalize slavery through a religious framework while promoting literacy among its students. The head teacher, Ann Wager, played a critical role in educating these children from the ages of three to ten, helping to instill a sense of acceptance regarding their circumstances. Over its operational years, the school became part of the broader narrative of education for Black individuals in America.
After its closure in 1774, the Bray School transitioned into a private home and ultimately became integrated into the university’s campus infrastructure. Historical methods such as tree ring analysis were employed to determine the original structure of the schoolhouse, providing valuable data for historians and archaeologists alike.
The recent findings are expected to be showcased at the forthcoming Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center, set to open in 2026. Additionally, some of the retrieved artifacts will be permanently displayed at the fully renovated Gates Hall. This incorporation will allow visitors to connect with the site’s historical significance and foster a deeper understanding of the education and experiences of its young students.
William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe highlighted that these discoveries not only enrich the historical narrative of the institution, but they also illuminate the early history of the city and its ties to African Americans. Colonial Williamsburg, at the site of the school, emphasizes the pivotal role of African Americans in shaping the history of Williamsburg.
The artifacts unearthed from the Bray School site reflect the struggles and resilience of those who attended the school and contribute to a broader understanding of Black education in America. With these discoveries, researchers and educators aim to present a more comprehensive history that acknowledges both the challenges and achievements of Black individuals in earlier centuries.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Archaeological Discoveries at Williamsburg Bray School
Additional Resources
- AP News: Archaeological Discovery at Williamsburg Bray School
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- New York Times: Bray School and Juneteenth
- Google Search: Bray School Virginia
- Popular Mechanics: Historic Black School Discovery
- Google Scholar: Bray School
- Smithsonian Magazine: Artifacts from Historic School for Black Children
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Washington Post: Discovery at Williamsburg Bray School
- Google News: Bray School Discovery
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.
