Dr. Matthew R. Laird, Partner & Senior Researcher of the James River Institute for Archaeology, Inc., will present the archaeological findings from the survey of the community that evolved in the ruins of Hampton after it was abandoned by Virginians following succession from the Union in 1861. Through mapping, research, and careful excavation in coordination with the City of Hampton, the team located the camp in present-day downtown Hampton. Laird will talk about the discoveries, successes, and challenges in analyzing the artifacts and interpreting the evidence of contraband camps as a window into the past.

After the Grand Contraband Camp archaeology lecture debuts on Facebook Live, it can be found under the video tab on the museum’s Facebook page, and later on the museum’s YouTube playlist, and website, www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org.