Principal Investigators: Shawn Lambert and Andrew Whitaker
Led by Dr. Shawn Lambert and Dr. Andrew Whitaker, this project launched a powerful archaeological and public history initiative at Prospect Hill, a historic site in Mississippi with deep ties to the Americo-Liberian community. The project aimed to uncover and interpret the material culture of enslavement while building connections between descendant communities in Mississippi and Liberia.
The team conducted a highly successful public archaeology dig in July 2023, engaging over 100 volunteers in the excavation of an enslaved dwelling and uncovering the original foundation of the structure. This hands-on experience was paired with educational programming and extensive media coverage, including features in Mississippi Today, WJTV, and international outlets such as The Liberian Observer and FrontPage Africa.
In parallel, the team developed a broader scholarly and public engagement strategy. They are co-editing an interdisciplinary volume titled Building an African Republic: History and Identity in Americo-Liberian Memory, with contributions from scholars across Africa, Europe, and North America. They also plan to present their work at conferences in Germany and across Mississippi, and submitted a grant proposal to the National Geographic Society to support comparative excavations in Liberia.
This pilot project has already led to new collaborations, a $2,500 Mississippi Humanities Council grant, and recognition through MSU’s Excellence in Community Engagement Award. It has laid the foundation for a globally connected research program that bridges archaeology, history, and community engagement across continents.