Discovery of Williamsburg Bray School Foundation

Archaeologists excavating the historical foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School.

News Summary

Archaeologists in Williamsburg, Virginia uncovered the nearly complete foundation and chimney base of the historic Bray School, an educational institution for Black children. This significant finding sheds light on early Black education in America. Dating back to 1760, the excavation revealed artifacts that enhance our understanding of daily life during that period. The ongoing excavation is part of a renovation project at Gates Hall, with the findings promising to enrich the historical context of education for Black children and the socio-economic conditions of early American society.

Williamsburg, Virginia – Archaeologists have discovered the near-complete 18th-century foundation and chimney base of what is believed to be the original Williamsburg Bray School, one of North America’s earliest educational institutions for Black children. This significant finding was made during an excavation led by the William & Mary Archaeological Research Center.

Dating back to 1760, the Williamsburg Bray School operated until 1765, focusing on educating both enslaved and free Black children. The recent excavation has also revealed a previously undocumented cellar, measuring approximately 36 by 18 feet, with two distinct levels that challenge earlier understandings of depth in the area.

The uncovered foundation represents the most complete discovery of the Bray School to date, despite the fact that some portions had been identified in previous surveys. In addition to the foundation, a variety of artifacts have been discovered, shedding light on the history and daily lives of those who attended the school. Items include jewelry, slate pencil fragments, pottery sherds, and buttons dating from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.

Significantly, archaeologists unearthed colonoware pottery linked to sites of enslavement and Indigenous communities, as well as sherds of Greek Revival ceramics tied to early 20th-century women. Specialized items of interest found at the site include a glass shard depicting Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, and a piece of flatware featuring a Greek meandros pattern.

The Bray School itself was established by an England-based Anglican charity, with the aim of providing religious education under a framework that often rationalized slavery. It faced closures during the American Revolutionary War and eventually transitioned into a private residence before being acquired by William & Mary.

The ongoing excavation is part of a broader renovation project at Gates Hall, funded by a generous anonymous donation of $30 million. As part of the renovations, archaeologists are equipped with protective gear to ensure safety during their work. The findings not only enhance our understanding of early Black education but also provide valuable context about the experiences and conditions of people during that era.

The museum dedicated to the Bray School opened for public viewing in Colonial Williamsburg recently, following the restoration of the structure to its 18th-century appearance. The building, which was re-discovered in 2020 and officially opened to the public on Juneteenth in 2023, will serve as a site for future exhibits featuring various artifacts, including potential outlines of the Bray School’s foundation within Gates Hall.

William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe emphasized that the findings offer meaningful insights into the early republic’s history and the nuances of education for Black children during that period. Alongside ongoing analyses of the excavation’s findings, further conclusions about the historical significance of the site and its community impact are anticipated in the coming months.

As the excavation progresses, more attention will likely be focused not only on the Bray School’s historical importance but also on how these discoveries can enrich our understanding of the broader socio-economic conditions of early American society.