"Mining, Conflict, and Identity"

This research project, by Spring 2019 WHC GSA in Public History Sarah Kennedy, explored the social dynamics of historic mining camps in Peru and the United States by focusing on periods of conflict related to unfair labor practices. Artifacts and objects related to mining labor, daily life, and combat were used to illustrate the ways in which conflict, power, and identity were immersed in both silver mining camps of colonial Peru (17th – 18th centuries) and in coal mining camps of West Virginia (early 20th century). This information was presented to the public through the design and implementation of a visiting museum exhibit at the Mine Wars Museum in Matewan, WV, as well as the creation of an interactive website with digital versions of the exhibit and selected artifacts.

Sarah Kennedy is a historical archaeologist whose research investigates marginalized labor practices of the colonial silver mining industry in 17th-century Peru. For her doctoral research, she led archaeological excavations at the silver refining mill of Trapiche in Peru's Lake Titicaca Basin.

Sarah's digital project can be found here:  https://miningourpast.wixsite.com/exhibit

On April 24th, Sarah delivered a public lecture at The Pump House in Homestead, PA.