The study of African-American archaeological sites is a signficant part of the archaeology program at the University of Southern Mississippi. Since 1997 a number of sites in Mississippi have been studied. Some of the sites are associated with the antebellum period when most African Americans in Mississippi were enslaved. However, some sites dating to the late 19th and early 20th century have also been the focus of investigations. African Americans throughout the history of Mississippi have played important roles in building our heritage.
Archaeology is the study of past people by the things they left behind.
Archaeology is NOT the study of dinosaurs. Nor is it a treasure hunt. The only treasure that archaeologists seek is a better understanding of the past human condition. Sometimes archaeologists study the things that people used thousands of years ago. The study of African Americans is the investigation of our more recent past.