The Barkhamsted Lighthouse

Reviews / Votes

In Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family Feder has created a truly compelling narrative. Working from primary documents, historical accounts, and archaeological data, he tells a human story full of singular characters that will resonate with today's reader. Far from a sterile account of old records and dusty artifacts, this book tells the tale of marginalized people creating community on the edges of society. Feder's words reveal the sense of discovery and wonder that accompanies the study of the past. -- Sean M. Rafferty, professor of anthropology, University at Albany This journey unfolds in the forests along the Tunxis Sepo (Farmington River). While conducting scientific archaeological analysis, Feder uncovers a living people and shakes hands with the past. His study of the historical record brings humor and humility. -- Jay Levy, archaeology supervisor, the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, Tribal Historic Preservation Office Archaeologists frequently find themselves explaining why archaeology matters. Through the captivating narrative of his experience with one site, Feder reveals that archaeology is more about the living than the dead. In this story, we are reminded that the past binds us to each other and gives meaning to our lives. Archaeology is the tangible evidence of all those people, many with extraordinary stories, that the history books forgot or historic records characterized with unflattering declarations. This is particularly true of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Community. Archaeology reveals the truth of their humanity, what Feder calls the 'magic of archaeology'
In the most engaging manner, Dr. Feder takes the reader along on his personal journey, possible obsession, with the Lighthouse community. A self-proclaimed "document nerd" and exceptional archaeologist, he communicates the otherwise tedious fundamentals of archeological methods and historic research through an engrossing narrative that leaves the reader feeling connected to this no longer forgotten community.
The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family is a meticulous weaving together of facts, acknowledging the unknowable, to demonstrate that history does not need to be fictionalized to be interesting. Although the book is written as a tribute to James and Molly Chaugham and their descendants, their story resonates with contemporary issues of identity, social acceptance, and discrimination; as well as the perpetually alluring subject of love and family. -- Catherine Labadia, deputy state historic preservation officer and staff archaeologist for the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office