The Archaeology of Seneca Village
One of the main reasons we know so much about Seneca Village is because of a major archaeological excavation conducted in 2011, the findings of which were synthesized in the report, "Seneca Village, A Forgotten Community," published in 2018. Directed by the Institute for the Exploration of Seneca Village History, the project unearthed hundreds of artifacts that have contributed to our understanding of Seneca Village and the lives of its residents.
The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, which oversees all archaeology projects in public parks and safeguards the artifacts excavated from City parks, created a digital exhibit featuring the artifacts excavated from Seneca Village.
The blending of historical documentary research and archaeological excavations, known professionally as Historical Archaeology, provides a richness of detail that each subject alone cannot bring. Below, examples of household and personal artifacts from Seneca Village highlight the day-to-day lives of villagers that are otherwise absent from documentary sources. Explore more: In the Wilsons’ Kitchen: Discoveries from Seneca Village.
Photos courtesy of the New York City Archaeological Repository.
Printed Gothic-Style Whiteware Teapot
The broken fragments of this transfer-printed Gothic-style teapot, pieced together by archeologists, were excavated in 2011 from the backyard shared by the Webster and Philips families, who lived in Seneca Village in the 1850s. Manufactured in England between 1842 and 1855, the teapot provides insight into the types of vessels that graced the tables of Seneca Village families and hints at the warmth and community of shared cups of tea.
Faceted Glass Beads
These cobalt blue glass beads were found during excavations of the Wilson family house. They were strung on a slender copper wire to form a bracelet, necklace, or other personal ornamentation. In 1857, Charlotte Wilson—who likely grew up in Seneca Village—lived there with her husband William and their nine children, who ranged in age from 19 years to a few months old. While we may never know who in the family wore the beads, or what they may have meant to that individual, there is an intimacy in knowing that a Wilson family member wore them as they went about their daily lives.
Bone Toothbrush Handle
Missing its bristle head, this bone fragment may be difficult to recognize as a toothbrush found by archaeologists among the Wilson family belongings left in the buried foundation of their house. At the time of Seneca Village, and through much of the 19th century, objects commonly made with plastic today were made of animal bone. While toothbrushing was an uncommon practice in the 1850s, the bone fragment's familiar shape tells us that personal hygiene was important to the Wilson family.