History is not the full story if not everyone gets to tell it. And in places where the traditional records are scarce or silent, where do you look for answers? Today we speak with anthropologist Christopher Matthews about his work in Setauket helping the people of a traditionally Native American (the Setalcotts) and African American community uncover more of their past.

Working with Robert Lewis of the Higher Ground Intercultural and Heritage Association, along with long-time residents of Christian Avenue in Setauket, Chris and his colleauges have dug stories from the earth. These range from the butons and bottles of Hannah Hart’s laundry to the stone tools found on the Silas Tobias site along Conscience Bay.

We also talk about the goals and values of community archaeology as well as the need to see these places as living communities to be supported now and not as something that has disappeared.

Further Research

• Christopher Matthews (Montclair State University)
• Christopher Matthews on Academia.edu
• A Counter Map of Setauket, New York
• The Bethel -Christian Avenue – Laurel Hill Historic District (via Long Island History Journal)
• Setauket (Mapping the African American Past, Columbia University)