Jamestown Rediscovery: A World Uncovered

In 1607, three ships carrying men and boys traveled from England and landed on the banks of the Chesapeake. Settling on an island bordered by the James River, these men established the first permanent settlement in America-Jamestown. Now, almost four hundred years later, the Jamestown Rediscovery Project is conducting an archeological examination of the area. To the delight of the archeologists, their time and effort have revealed more about Jamestown and the beginnings of America than they had ever hoped, including the discovery of the site of the original fort. This special program brings you to the site of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project and through interviews with archeologists, historians, and forensic specialists provides an up-close look at the rediscovery of America.

Jamestown Rediscovery would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Geography, Archeology, Science and Civics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• amenities
• archeology
• cannibalism
• coincide
• conservation
• convened
• cursory
• debris
• enterprise
• excavation
• exhilarating
• fiasco
• hallowed
• incompetent
• non-invasive
• pragmatism

Discussion Questions

1. Englishmen traveled to t the purpose of their journey and the Jamestown settlement? How did their reasons for settlement differ from the Puritan settlements in Massachusetts?

2. Why did the settlers name their settlement Jamestown?

3. The settlers arrived during the spring of 1907. What were some of the difficulties faced by these settlers? How did the weather create hardship?

4. Jamestown was the seat of colonial American government until 1699. Why did the government move to Williamsburg in that year?

5. Preservation of Jamestown began in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until 1996 that archeologists discovered the original fort. Why did it take so long for the fort to be discovered?

6. Archeologists and historians work closely together. How do archeologists help historians to recreate the past? Why is the work of both archeologists and historians necessary to tell history?

7. Computers and advances in technology have influenced archeology, like any other discipline. How does technology aid archeologists in their work? What are the limitations of technology in archeology?

8. What role has the Internet played in the Jamestown Rediscovery Project? Has the Internet influenced your life? If so, how?

9. Jamestown did not experience any advanced development. How did this lack of development help to preserve the settlement?

10. How is Jamestown a missing link between American history and British history?

11. The original fort at Jamestown was wood, which decays and eventually disappears. Although the wood at Jamestown disappeared long ago, archeologists know it was there and where it was. How do archeologists know this?

12. The discovery at Jamestown challenged traditional historical interpretations of the settlement. Discuss these interpretations and how the discoveries at Jamestown have challenged them.

13. While digging for artifacts, archeologists unearthed a human skeleton. How did the archeologists, with the help of forensic scientists, try to identify the skeleton?

Extended Activities

1. Imagine that you are a passenger aboard the Godspeed, Discovery, or Susan Constant. Create a diary or journal that tells of your transatlantic adventure and your experiences upon reaching the New World.

2. Create a poster that illustrates the settlement of Jamestown in the 17th century. Use your poster to demonstrate and explain the efforts of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project.

3. Imagine that you are an archeologist working with the Jamestown Rediscovery Project. Write an essay that explains the process and procedures of the project.

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