The Historical Archaeology of Massachusetts

Exploring archaeological sites and materials that uncover the history of the Bay State over four centuries

Massachusetts’s rich tapestry of people, places, and events has long been researched by historical archaeologists. Through archaeological sites and materials that document pivotal moments as well as lesser-known parts of the state’s history, this book chronicles the diverse story of the commonwealth from the seventeenth century to today.

Beginning with early Indigenous-European interactions and the Pilgrim colony of Plymouth, this book explores the era of slavery and its aftermath; industrialization, globalism, and commercialism; and key conflicts such as the Pequot War, King Philip’s War, the French and Indian Wars, and the Revolutionary War. Drawing on perspectives from avocational, academic, cultural resource management, and public archaeologists, as well as their own 40 years of experience in Massachusetts archaeology, Joseph Bagley and Holly Herbster discuss case studies that highlight the state’s Indigenous populations, Black history, immigrant groups, and descendant communities often left out of mainstream historical narratives.

Bagley and Herbster also trace the evolution of historical archaeology in the state, illustrating how the shift to collaborative, community-based practices has amplified voices that were once silenced or overlooked. This concise overview invites readers to explore a wealth of research in which every archaeological discovery adds depth to American history.

Joseph Bagley, city archaeologist and director of archaeology for the City of Boston, is the author of Boston’s Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them. Holly Herbster, principal investigator and senior archaeologist at the Public Archaeology Laboratory, is coauthor of Historical Archaeology and Indigenous Collaboration: Discovering Histories That Have Futures.