Digging the Hub: The evolution of the Boston City archaeology program

Abstract

The City Archaeology Program of Boston emerged in 1983 as a direct result of the Central Artery/Tunnel project or Big Dig. Over the program's history, various City Archaeologists have seen it transform from a part-time contract position to a full staff-level position within city government. The program has never received an operating budget and relies nearly exclusively on donated funds, labor, and supplies. Despite this, the utilization of social media has in recent years led to growth and overall public awareness of the program. The program's future is bright but fundamentally limited by a lack of funding, though active attempts at fund-raising through grants and donations may allow the program to meet its full potential and goals of full public accessibility of both archaeological collections and data in Boston.