Current Archaeology
At Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, archaeology connects today’s communities with the remarkable history of this sacred ground – the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States. Currently, our park has three active archaeological projects that are working to document the lives of past people while efforts to expand Park facilities are underway. Learn more about each project below.

Ghost Structure Archaeology Project:
Connecting the Dots
Before our Ghost Structure Exhibit could be built, we needed to know where Mitchelville buildings were in the past, and were there any clues left behind to help us learn about Mitchelville residents?

ARFA Building Archaeology Project:
Echoes Through Time
The first building we are erecting in the Park is our Archaeological Research Facility and Auditorium. But before laying its foundations, we had to examine the ground beneath it for evidence of past people.

Interpretive Center Archaeology:
Stories Surround Us
The Interpretive Center will be the heart of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. welcoming in our visitors and helping tell the story of our past. But it may have been the heart of another community in the past too. Our archaeologists are working to learn more.
Community Programs