American archaeology was in its infancy in 1874 when A.M. Harrison undertook excavation of shell middens in Florida with the goal of moving from “mere antiquarianism” to systematic science. This report for the U.S. Coast Survey reveals the methods, theories, and challenges of the time. Help others learn more about the development of archaeology through reports in collections at the Smithsonian Institution National Anthropological Archives with your transcription.
American archaeology was in its infancy in 1874 when A.M. Harrison undertook excavation of shell middens in Florida with the goal of moving from “mere antiquarianism” to systematic science. This report for the U.S. Coast Survey reveals the methods, theories, and challenges of the time.
The manuscript features more than 49 pages of notes, as well as 20 photographs of artifacts and 5 diagrams including Black Hammock, Rose Bay, and New Smyrna just south of present-day Daytona Beach.
Help others learn more about the development of archaeology through reports in collections at the Smithsonian Institution National Anthropological Archives with your transcription.