Excavating Nauvoo
The Mormons and the Rise of Historical Archaeology in America
Benjamin C. Pykles (Author), Robert L. Schuyler (Foreword by)
9781496202246
Paperback / softback, published 1 March 2018
416 pages, 24 photographs, 1 illustration, 1 map, 1 appendix, index
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.8 cm, 0.556 kg
"This thoughtful and carefully researched book, bolstered by many archival sources and oral histories, is an important reflection on the relatively young discipline of historical archaeology. Through the narrative of Nauvoo, Pykles teaches us much about the materials and materiality of the recent past and how identities take shape through stories we tell about that past, our ancestors, and our profession."—Shannon A. Novak, Journal of Anthropological Research
"Pykles provides an even-handed and fascinating glimpse into the use of historic preservation and archaeology as both a restoration and a proselytizing tool."—Chris Merritt, Montana, The Magazine of Western History
"Readers interested in the development of historical archaeology in the United States, in Mormon history, or in religious groups' struggles to control public perceptions of their past will find this book rewarding."—Stephen C. Taysom, Indiana Magazine of History
"Researchers interested in archaeological activities at Nauvoo and their contribution to the development of historical archaeology will find that Pykles has an excellent command of the documentary record supporting his analysis."—Carl A. Merry, Plains Anthropologist
"Historians and historical archaeologists alike will find Pykle's trailblazing work worthwhile."—Glen M. Leonard, Journal of Mormon History
"Excavating Nauvoo is an excellent read for those interested in the study of archaeology as whole, and those interested in the field of historic archaeology."-Matt Donovan, Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
This detailed study of the excavation and restoration of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, reveals the roots of historical archaeology. In the 1960s, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsored an archaeology program to authentically restore the city of Nauvoo, which was founded along the Mississippi River in the 1840s by the Mormons as they moved west. Non-Mormon scholars were also interested in Nauvoo because it was representative of several western frontier towns in this era. As the archaeology and restoration of Nauvoo progressed, however, conflicts arose, particularly regarding control of the site and its interpretation for the public.
The field of historical archaeology was just coming into its own during this period, with myriad perspectives and doctrines being developed and tested. The Nauvoo site was one of the places where the discipline was forged. This well-researched account weaves together multiple viewpoints in examining the many contentious issues surrounding the archaeology and restoration of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, providing an illuminating picture of the early days of professional historical archaeology.
List of Illustrations
Foreword by Robert L. Schuyler
Acknowledgements
Series Editors' Introduction
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Origins of the Restoration of Nauvoo
Chapter 2: The Rise of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc.
Chapter 3: Interpretive Conflict in Nauvoo
Chapter 4: Historical Archaeology in Nauvoo
Chapter 5: The Nauvoo Excavations and the Development of Historical Archaeology in America
Appendix: Chronology of Nauvoo Excavations
Notes
Bibliography
Index
