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Unearthing History: Revelations from the Williamsburg Bray School

This summer at William & Mary's Robert M. Gates Hall, archaeologists made a significant discovery that uncovers a pivotal part of American history. Beneath the modern building lies the near-complete foundation of the Williamsburg Bray School, an institution renowned for being one of the first in North America to educate both enslaved and free Black children. It operated from 1760 to 1765, and while its importance has long been recognized, the extent of its physical remnants was previously underestimated.

Layered Discoveries

The investigative work began earlier this spring when archaeologists from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (CWF) conducted preliminary digging in anticipation of renovations for Gates Hall. What they unearthed included not only the foundation of the Bray School but also a previously undocumented cellar, rich with artifacts spanning centuries. This layered context reveals a complex narrative surrounding the school and its impact on education and society at the time.

"As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we are committed to preserving and enhancing our understanding of the nation’s origin stories,” stated Katherine A. Rowe, President of William & Mary. “The discovery of this cellar is thrilling. Each layer of history adds depth to our understanding of early America and the people who shaped our society.”

The size of the cellar was notably substantial, measuring around 36 by 18 feet, and it appears to have undergone significant modifications over time. According to Tom Higgins, Project Archaeologist at the WM Center for Archaeological Research, this cellar may have been constructed shortly after the original Bray School foundation was laid. The variations in depth point to a complex history, possibly with different flooring levels indicating varied uses.

A Window into Everyday Life

The excavation process has provided not only architectural insights but also glimpses into the lives of those who passed through the school. The team has discovered a range of artifacts, including jewelry, slate pencil fragments, pottery shards, and buttons, which are emblematic of everyday life in that era. Noteworthy finds include fragments of colonoware pottery linked to Indigenous communities and enslaved individuals, alongside glass and ceramic items from various periods, revealing the cultural transitions that occurred over time.

One favorite recovery is a glass fragment featuring Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and arts, juxtaposed intriguingly with a piece of flatware decorated with a Greek meander pattern. Michele L. Brumfield, senior researcher, remarked on the significance of these items as reflective of female college students in the early 20th century who resided in Brown Hall after the building's relocation. “This adds a layer of personal connection to the education journey of early women at William & Mary,” she noted.

Looking Forward

Plans are underway to showcase these archaeological findings in a permanent exhibit within the renovated Gates Hall. This display will not only highlight the Bray School's historical context but will also feature contributions from the Williamsburg Bray School Descendant Community, enriching the narrative through diverse voices.

The broader goal is to create a space that honors the multitude of individuals—ranging from foragers to educators—who have contributed to the fabric of this site over the centuries. Maureen Elgersman Lee, director of the WM Bray School Lab, expressed excitement about the potential for further archaeological exploration. “Our work here is only just beginning as we continue to unravel the history of Black education and its profound significance,” she explained.

With a generous $30 million donation enabling the renovation of Gates Hall, William & Mary's commitment to nurturing scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration is clearer than ever. The space will also house various research institutes focused on conservation and integration of historical narratives, ensuring that these discoverable layers of history are not forgotten but rather brought to life for future generations.

With each artifact recovered, historians and archaeologists alike are reminded of the intertwined narratives that form the foundation of the United States, calling us to reflect on our collective past as we move toward the future.