{"pk":62309,"title":"Historic Archaeology and Reshaping the Myths of American Origins","subtitle":null,"abstract":"<p>In this critical appraisal, Mark P. Leone examines the evolving role and identity of historical archaeology in the United States, emphasizing its transition from historical verification to anthropological inquiry. He identifies two major methodological camps: one rooted in scientific analysis and hypothesis testing (as championed by Stanley South), and the other in cognitive and symbolic interpretation (led by James Deetz). Leone critiques both for their limitations—either in theoretical integration or methodological clarity—and calls for a more coherent linkage between archaeological data, public interpretation, and national identity. He argues that the field's current disconnect from American historical narratives weakens its public and scholarly impact. Through case studies such as the excavations at Santa Elena, Flowerdew Hundred, and Martin's Hundred, Leone illustrates the potential for historical archaeology to reshape dominant myths about American origins. He advocates for the deliberate use of archaeology to inform public understanding and identity formation, especially as political and cultural power shifts toward the American South and Southwest. Ultimately, he calls for a reimagined historical archaeology that embraces its public role and helps create more inclusive and relevant national narratives.</p>","language":"eng","license":{"name":"","short_name":"","text":null,"url":""},"keywords":[],"section":"Article","is_remote":true,"remote_url":"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6443944h","frozenauthors":[{"first_name":"Mark","middle_name":"P.","last_name":"Leone","name_suffix":"","institution":"","department":""}],"date_submitted":null,"date_accepted":null,"date_published":"1983-04-01T18:00:00Z","render_galley":null,"galleys":[{"label":"PDF","type":"pdf","path":"https://journalpub.escholarship.org/gwf/article/62309/galley/48149/download/"}]}