Archaeology, restoration work at Liberty-owned properties reveal clues to 18th century life

The ongoing work by Liberty University’s Department of History at two sites in the historic community of New London just a few miles from campus has led to deeper discoveries about the town that dates to the 18^th century. Led by Director of Public History Initiatives Donna Davis Donald, Liberty’s history students have studied multiple sites and analyzed artifacts for seven years now.

One of the most notable areas of progress is at Mead’s Tavern, built in 1763, that is the oldest standing structure in Central Virginia. The property was listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places last year. A project to stabilize the basement has been completed and in doing so has secured what is believed to be the oldest intact brick wall in Virginia west of Richmond. Liberty commissioned a team of preservationists and designers to create a restoration plan for Mead’s Tavern, which will begin with rehabilitation of the west wing to create a fully functioning museum space.

“The archaeologists are currently excavating the space under the floor of the wing, and we are working on grant funding to support construction that will make the wing accessible,” Donald said. “We’ll use that space to interpret the history of New London and introduce people to the restoration work at Mead’s Tavern, and it will make the building more readily available to visitors. Ultimately, the Tavern will function as a museum, classroom, history lab, and possibly an event space.”

Part of the building will be left untouched so that students can continue to study the historic building methods.

At Liberty’s other historic property, the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel, archaeologists have identified additional 18^th century sites, including a store and at least two taverns. One of the taverns, called The Long Ordinary, was frequented by Thomas Jefferson. The next site for excavation will be the site of John Hook’s store. Hook was a Scottish merchant best known for his role as plaintiff in the famous “Beef Case,” argued successfully for the defense by Patrick Henry.

The property and its surrounding area is well known for its history as a mineral springs resort that attracted travelers during the late 19^th century who sought the rumored healing properties of the spring water. It is also known as the home to one of only five Continental arsenals during the American Revolution.

The historic New London African American Methodist Episcopal Church has been another site of increased interest thanks to the ongoing thesis work of M.A. in History student Grace Hoisington, who has participated in research at New London since she took one of Donald’s public history courses in 2019. Throughout the last few years, Hoisington has explored different aspects of the 19^th century church that was a rarity of its time, established by a freedman (Andrew Holt) in antebellum Virginia.

“What I’ve been trying to do all throughout my time in graduate school is find so many different sides of the church and formulate them all together in the end,” Hoisington said. “Because Holt was a follower of Christ, you see that in all of his actions. Interpreting Holt and his church, it glorifies God because you see this person who was a clear follower of Christ acting out of generosity, compassion, and bravery in the face of all of this discrimination. It’s been a fascinating topic for me.”

Hoisington earned a Provost Award for Research Excellence in 2022, providing the funds to go to Richmond, Va., for a week of gathering documents pertaining to the church and Holt at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Library of Virginia.

Each year, the history department presents its latest findings to the public during the annual New London Day, a festival held in partnership with the local nonprofit preservation group Friends of New London. This year, the event was held on Oct. 22 and involved about 25 students, many from Donald’s public history classes, who created presentations and interpretations on different aspects of New London. Some of the newest sights this year were the live excavation of the Mead’s Tavern wing, a blacksmith demonstration, and a spinning demonstration using an 18^th century spinning wheel.

There were multiple forms of reenactment during the day, including the Montgomery County militia, and a worship service was held at the African American church. There were also non-history elements to enjoy, including live music, children’s activities, and a petting zoo.

Senior history student Hannah Method is in her first year of working at New London, and she spent New London Day presenting on the structure and purpose of the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel when it was at its height. In researching the topic and sharing it there, Method said she learned how events like this can help you see the past with a new perspective.

“We’re able to talk to people (at New London Day) who’ve said, ‘I’ve lived here (in Central Virginia) my entire life and I never knew this was here or so important,’” Method said. “We’re able to compare these buildings to what we’ve read in textbooks. That’s what makes history come to life.”

To follow along with the latest progress and findings in New London, follow the Facebook pages of Public History at Liberty University and the Friends of New London.