The Historical Archaeology of Massachusetts

By Joseph Bagley and Holly Herbster

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.



A volume in the series the American Experience in Archaeological Perspective, edited by Michael S. Nassaney and Krysta Ryzewski

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813081297
• ISBN13: 9780813081298
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: University Press of Florida
• Length: 290 Pages