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Overview
Archaeology can either bolster memory and tradition, or contradict the status quo and provide an alternative view of the past. An archaeology of Harpers Ferry's wartime and Victorian eras confronts time-honored historical interpretations of the past (created and perpetuated by such interest groups as historians and the National Park Service) and in so doing allows us to be more inclusive of the town's forgotten histories and provides alternative voices to a past.Synopsis
Archaeology can either bolster memory and tradition, or contradict the status quo and provide an alternative view of the past. An archaeology of Harpers Ferry's wartime and Victorian eras confronts time-honored historical interpretations of the past (created and perpetuated by such interest groups as historians and the National Park Service) and in so doing allows us to be more inclusive of the town's forgotten histories and provides alternative voices to a past.
Booknews
The findings at archaeological sites in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia are examined by Schackel (U. Maryland, College Park) to demonstrate how interest groups created an idyllic past to present to the visiting public. The shorter (52 pages) of two sections describes Harpers Ferry during the Civil War. Section two, on rebuilding Harpers Ferry after the war, examines issues of race, tourism, economic conditions, the brewery industry, the boardinghouse community, and the creation of memory by Victorian citizens. Although the lives of wealthy residents are chronicled, Shackel uses special care to recreate the history of the poor, who left less evidence for the archaeologist to interpret. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)