Flagler College Magazine Fall 2017

By Bobbie Stewart Photo by Michelle Mallard, ‘18

DIGGING UP STORIES OF SLAVERY AT A PLANTATION IN VIRGINIA

F

Flagler student Kiara Montes spent her summer unearthing

the story of an enslaved cook at historic 19th-century

middens and disposal middens often exist outside of kitchen

home Sandusky Plantation in Lynchburg, Va., as part of

doorways and windows,” she said. “These middens contain

an archaeological project she worked on with Assistant

artifacts that reveal stories about what people ate, how they

Professor Dr. Lori Lee.

adorned themselves and sometimes where and how they

stored root crops or engaged in various activities.”

The goal of the project, which Lee originally began in

and loft residence so it could be reconstructed and tell its

from their findings: “A pierced Spanish coin was probably

story of the lives lived within the space. Montes worked

used by an enslaved African-American for protection or to

alongside Lee to identify objects and describe them for

ensure well-being. Harmonica parts reflect leisure activities.

cataloguing purposes.

Chopped animal bone fragments indicate a diet based on pork

and fowl. Slate pencils suggest literacy. Ceramic fragments indicate that the white planter family could afford fashionable

much about the time era and the subject is inspiring.”

matching tableware sets and porcelain tea ware.”

Montes was elated with the discoveries — mostly because

owner who was also a neighbor to Thomas Jefferson. In

she possesses a passion for archaeology, but also because she

1864, during the Battle of Lynchburg, Sandusky served as

hopes to pursue the field in the future, and gaining hands-on

Union headquarters and accommodated future presidents

experience is critical.

Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley.

part about my independent study since I can use it later on,”

Lee and Montes’ work focused on the kitchen area,

objects with Assistant Professor Lori Lee.

Lee painted a picture of a possible story that emerges

said. “Working hands-on with a professor who knows so The plantation home was built around 1808 by an

archaeological

“Because of 19-century trash disposal methods, sheet

2013, was to determine the site of the antebellum kitchen

“The experience has been incredibly rewarding,” Montes

Student Kiara Montes looks over

“Learning techniques (from Lee) is probably the best

which, prior to emancipation, included not only the working

she said. Lee has also enjoyed sharing her expertise and

spaces, but also living spaces of enslaved cooks. According

mentoring students in a way that prepares them for their

to Lee, kitchens and their associated yard space offer unique

specific career goals.

opportunities to understand many aspects of life in the past through historical archaeological analysis.

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“

The things that drew me here were the values ... That was right in my wheelhouse because that’s what I believe in: Focus on students first and then focus on the importance of teaching.

Building on Flagler’s strong foundation

Joyner, who retired as superintendent of the St. Johns County School District earlier this year, was named president of 2,500-student Flagler College in November of 2016. He succeeded President William T. Abare Jr., who retired this June after serving in the position for 16 years.

Board Chairman Frank Upchurch said Joyner will continue the legacy of Abare and his

predecessor Dr. William L. Proctor.

“(Joyner) shares their commitment to the college’s core values of teaching, learning,

student success and civility,” he said. “Under Dr. Joyner’s leadership, I have every confidence that the college will continue the pursuit of excellence.”

Joyner said it was Flagler’s focus on students and teaching that appealed to him.

“The things that drew me here were the values,” he said. “That was right in my

wheelhouse because that’s what I believe in: Focus on students first and then focus on the

”

F L AG L E R C O L L E G E

PRESIDENTS Dr. F. Roy Carlson 1968 - 1970 Dr. William L. Proctor 1971 - 2001 Dr. William T. Abare Jr. 2001 - 2017 Dr. Joseph G. Joyner 2017 - Present

importance of teaching.”

He’s excited to help build on the strong foundation that has been laid by previous

presidents, and to help take the college to the next stage.

Getting a feel for the culture of the college and building relationships with the existing

leadership team, the faculty and staff, and especially the students are his main priorities.

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