Adrian,

I don't have a specific example but would like to mention something that
turned up in some documents associated with a site I'm working on.  I've
stumbled upon Court records here in Central Alabama (c. 1850)that mention
"Jewish Pedlers" that were travelling between plantations and selling
"trinkets" to the enslaved.  This practice was illegal, but apparently
common,  Looks to me like the planters tended to turn a blind eye to this
behavior, until and unless a pedlar caused some bigger problem.  So,perhaps
many of the interesting collections from pre-emancipation African-American
sites  also reflect Jewish enterprise. (and, of interest to us today,
perhaps a historical beginning to an complex and ever changing relationship
between these two American groups.)

By the way, if anyone has more information on this practice, I'd love to
hear from them.  I'd really like to find some associated account books.


Linda Derry ( [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> )
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
Alabama Historical Commission


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Praetzellis
Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2000 7:40 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Archaeology of Jews


HISTARCHers,

In my other life, I'm a member of the Adult Education Committee at
Congregation Shomrei Torah -- a synagogue in Santa Rosa, California.
Recently, while delirious with the flu, our rabbi asked me to do a
presentation on *something to do with Jews and archaeology.* Thus was born
the idea of  *The Archaeology of Jews in North America and the Caribbean,*
a lecture/slide show due to premiere in March.

Several colleagues have generously offered slides of their research: Skip
S-Abernathy in Arkansas, Becky Yamin on Five Points NY, and Michelle
Terrell on the disappearing synagogue of Nevis. In addition, I have a site
in Sacramento that will fit in nicely. However, there's room for a couple
more examples in the presentation.

So, if you know of an archaeological site in North America with:
-  strong Jewish associations,
-  an interesting story that will appeal to the general public,
-  and, above all, GOOD VISUALS,
please let me know.

Thanks to all,

Adrian Praetzellis
Sonoma State University

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