The John Street Methodist Church: An Archaeological Excavation with Native American Cooperation

Abstract

During construction work at the historic John Street Methodist Church in Lower Manhattan in New York city, workers found human bones near the foundation wall of the church. The minister and church leaders voluntarily halted the project so that archaeological work could be undertaken. Since the property had the potential to contain Native American or European American burials, the City Archaeology Program and the American Indian Community House undertook a joint excavation of the site. This was the first time in New York City that Native Americans worked on an archaeological excavation. No other human remains were found, but many artifacts from the mid-19th century were uncovered. The artifacts provide glimpses into the social behavior of the congregation.