The First Black Archaeologist: A Life of John Wesley Gilbert

The First Black Archaeologist is a biography of John Wesley Gilbert, a pioneering African American classical scholar, teacher, community leader, and missionary who gained national prominence in the early 1900s. The book chronicles his journey from segregated public schools in Augusta, Georgia, to Brown University, and his travels in Greece, western Europe, and the Belgian Congo, revealing the development of African American intellectual and religious culture and the achievements of a generation of black students and educators.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The First Black Archaeologist is a captivating portrayal of an overlooked pioneer in Black history and American archaeology. Born into slavery in rural Georgia in 1863, John Wesley Gilbert emerged as a remarkable figure in the early 1900s. Despite his national prominence, his accomplishments are largely forgotten today. This book, through a meticulous exploration of archives across the United States and Europe, contemporary publications, and newly discovered documents, chronicles Gilbert's remarkable journey for the first time.

From his segregated public school education in Augusta, Georgia, to the lecture halls of Brown University, to his appointment as the first black faculty member at Augusta's Paine Institute, and through his travels in Greece, western Europe, and the Belgian Congo, readers are taken on a journey that reveals the development of African American intellectual and religious culture, as well as the remarkable achievements of an entire generation of black students and educators.

What sets this book apart is its unique perspective on the early development of American archaeology in Greece. Gilbert was one of the first Americans of any race to undertake archaeological work in Greece, providing a fresh insight into this field. Those interested in African American history and culture will find invaluable new perspectives on a prominent yet hidden figure of the late 1800s and early 1900s, whose life and work touched upon various aspects of the African American experience.

The First Black Archaeologist is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who have overcome adversity and made significant contributions to society. It serves as a reminder that history is not just about the famous and celebrated, but also about the ordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives and left lasting legacies. By shedding light on the untold stories of pioneers like Gilbert, we can better understand the rich tapestry of American history and culture.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 169 x 246 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197578995