Bones of the Past: Analyzing Faunal Remains from Jamestown's First Well with Susan Andrews

Description

On Monday, December 2nd at 6 PM, join faunal analyst Susan Andrews at the Quest Nature Center in Huntersville, NC for a fascinating presentation on her research into the animal remains excavated from Jamestown’s First Well. Through Susan's work, these bones offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the early English settlers who faced extreme hardship in the early 1600s.

 

The First Well at James Fort, dug in 1608 under the leadership of Captain John Smith, was the fort’s initial attempt at a reliable freshwater source. However, contamination from brackish water soon rendered it unfit to drink, and the well quickly became a disposal site filled with refuse. During recent excavations, archaeologists found it packed with animal bones, tools, ceramics, and artifacts dating from the “Starving Time” winter of 1609-1610—a period when food was so scarce that settlers reportedly resorted to consuming horses, dogs, and other animals to survive.

 

Susan’s work on the faunal remains from this well offers a unique perspective on the settlers’ adaptation and resilience. She has collaborated with the Carolina Raptor Center to identify potential raptor bones among the thousands of animal remains. This analysis provides critical insights into how the settlers may have relied on birds of prey and other species in their desperate search for sustenance.

 

About Susan Andrews: With nearly 30 years of experience as a faunal analyst, Susan Andrews has contributed her expertise to more than 80 archaeological projects in collaboration with institutions across the United States and beyond. She has worked with CRM firms, museums, universities, the National Park Service, and state archaeological offices, analyzing animal remains from historic and prehistoric sites along the East Coast, Midwest, and even the French Polynesian Islands. Her projects span an array of historical contexts, from Native American camps and early English colonial settlements to Civil War encampments and frontier homesteads.

 

This event is free, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP so that the Carolina Raptor Center can plan accordingly. Doors will open at 5:45 PM for seating. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into colonial history and discover how faunal analysis is helping uncover new details about the Jamestown settlers' fight for survival.

Date & Time

Mon, Dec 2, 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Venue Details

Quest Nature Center

6345 Sample Road
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078

Carolina Raptor Center