The Archaeology of Racial Hatred: Springfield, Illinois

Sub-Title: Free Illinois State Museum Science Series Program on Feb. 15

ISM Location: Springfield

For Immediate Release:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Museum’s Paul Mickey Science Series program “The Archaeology of Racial Hatred:  Springfield, Illinois” presented by Floyd Mansberger of Fever River Research in Springfield will be held on Wednesday, February 15 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

The program is free and open to the public.

On the evening of August 14, 1908, racial tensions in Springfield ignited, in part due to the allegations of a white woman (which were later recanted) that she had been assaulted by a black man. During the resulting two days of rioting, one residential neighborhood in particular—referred to by the contemporary press as the “Badlands”—was the focus of much of the violence.

Little physical evidence of this event remains on the landscape today.  However, archaeological investigations conducted ahead of rail improvements resulted in the discovery of foundations of five houses along North Tenth Street destroyed by fire during the Springfield Race Riot.

Floyd Mansberger’s presentation will feature the results of the archaeological investigations, and will hopefully provide new insight into the structure of this neighborhood, the inhabitants that called this neighborhood home, and the quality of life of the people who experienced this historical event.

The Paul Mickey Science Series takes place in the Auditorium at the Illinois State Museum, located at 502 South Spring St. in Springfield. A different speaker and topic will be featured each month. For additional information, please contact events@illinoisstatemuseum.org or 217-782-0061.

Contact Person: Elizabeth Bazan

Contact Email: Elizabeth.Bazan@illinois.gov

Contact Phone: 217-782-0061

Release File (pdf): ism-archaeologyfeb2017.pdf

Release File (doc): ism-archaeologyfeb2017.docx