UR Downtown to open exhibition focusing on archaeology in RVA

The University of Richmond Downtown’s Wilton Companies Gallery, located at 626 E. Broad St., is hosting a new exhibition, “UncoveRVA: Archaeology of Our Past, Present, and Future.”

The exhibition sheds light on the hidden histories beneath the city of Richmond. The showcase also explores the current legislation that covers archaeological resources, how archaeology informs us about who we are and where we came from, and the positive impacts when a city chooses to engage with its archaeological heritage.

The exhibition was curated by students in the course, “Archaeology in the City,” taught by Derek Miller, University of Richmond visiting lecturer of anthropology. The course has explored Richmond’s history and the role that archaeology has played.

Students were exposed to the intricacies of historic preservation law concerning archaeology and what can be potentially lost in a city like Richmond, which has no explicit policy concerning its archaeological resources. The class has taken several trips to prominent archaeological sites and examined uncovered objects at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Photographs of these sites, as well some objects, are included in the exhibition.

UR Downtown will host an exhibition opening April 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a presentation and open discussion with Miller and his students at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. It is part of RVA First Fridays.  

The Wilton Companies Gallery is a public space used for visual art exhibitions that relate to the mission of UR Downtown and its programs. The exhibition will be on view through August 4. For more information, visit downtown.richmond.edu.

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