bringing the past to light

The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (now Preservation Virginia) acquired 22.5 acres on Jamestown Island in 1893 to protect the memory of America’s birthplace. In 1994, the APVA began an archaeological project called Jamestown Rediscovery to find the remains of the original James Fort, ca. 1607–1624. Over 25 years of exploration have established the location of the fort and principal buildings and recovered more than three million artifacts.

The project has rewritten our understanding of early settlers’ daily life and purpose and their relations with Indian peoples. The research project continues to bring to life a narrative of human endeavor and perseverance that laid the foundations of British America and, ultimately, the United States.