Springer Archaeology and Created Memory: Public History in a National Park (Contributions To Global Historical Archaeology)

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. Review `Anyone with an interest in the Civil War and how it has been retold will find this book of interest; a background in archaeology is unnecessary. The volume is well illustrated, and a thorough references section provides additional sources of information. ' Choice, May 2001 `... Archaeology and Created Memory is full of archaeolgical data recovered from a samll industrial community and therefore inherently appeals to industrial archaeologists, especially those interested in military history and postmodern data applications. ...presents the reader with historical background and archaeological data from three different areas...that challenge the traditionally presented history of Harpers Ferry, especially by the NPS. ...the reader can gain nice insights into alternative interpretations of the past through the use of archaeology. ' Industrial Archaeology, 27:2 (2001)