Scope  of  Work

Project historians Richard Porcher and Hayden Smith will focus on the agricultural history of the region. As they gather secondary sources and primary archival documentation, they will also conduct site visits to rice mills and processing facilities. Mike Prevost will focus on the natural landscape of the delta and provide a characterization of its natural resources. This is an integral component to the project as we aim to show how people living in the Santee Delta were entwined with the natural environment.

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Project oral historian Herb Frazier, with assistance from SCDNR Heritage Trust Archaeologist and SCDNR Gullah Geechee liaison Dr. Jodi Barnes, will focus on gathering information about the enslaved population of the Santee Delta, in addition to locating descendant communities in vicinity of the delta. Mr. Frazier and Dr. Barnes hope to find oral traditions and memories which have been passed down generationally by former slaves and their descendants. 

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Architectural historian Christina Butler will focus on the documentation of the built environment. She will utilize students from the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) in upcoming semesters to gain a better understanding of the construction methods and materials used for settlements and work areas in the Santee Delta. ACBA will focus on measured drawings and property research. Students will work collaboratively in the field with students from other researchers and archaeology students for a holistic experience. Architectural historian advisor Tommy Graham will assist as needed and advise based on his extensive experience in the Santee Delta.

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Archaeologists Kendy Altizer, Jodi Barnes, and Martha Zierden will lead shovel testing programs for each targeted settlement and work area. Dr. Altizer will focus on lands between the rivers in addition to private properties on both sides of the Santee River, while Dr. Barnes will focus primarily on Yawkey Wildlife Center lands. In addition to shovel testing, the archaeology team will also document isolated finds of infrastructure and coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office to assign state site numbers for each site. Dr. Altizer and Dr. Barnes will utilize SCDNR methodology and databases to ensure systematic data collection across the Santee Delta. Martha Zierden will advise on material culture and assist in the field as her time allows.