James Oronoco Dexter Site

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James Oronoco Dexter was a free African American coachman who lived in colonial Philadelphia. He was one of the founding members of the first, autonomous, free black churches in the United States. In 2003, archaeologists excavated the site of the home James Dexter lived in, with his family, in the 1790’s. The site of the home is now located under the bus depot at the National Constitution Center near 5th and Arch streets in Old City Philadelphia. The location falls within the boundaries of Independence National Historical Park.

The Dexter archaeological site excavation was an undertaking of the National Constitution Center and Independence National Historical Park, in consultation with members of the local community, in particular the Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mother Bethel).

This archaeological site is important for many different reasons. For one, it became a case study for the National Park Service’s ‘Civic Engagement and Public Involvement‘ practice and policy. This NPS policy requires a dynamic conversation of park units with the public so as to build a sustaining relationship with neighbors and other communities of interest, strengthening the NPS’ commitment to legally required public involvement and participation particularly as it relates to the NPS mission and management responsibilities. Read more about this policy below and watch the film short ‘teaser’ about the story of the archaeological excavation and the community involvement that helped shape this project.

For many years, the artifacts recovered from the James Dexter House Site were on display to the public at the Independence Archaeology Laboratory. Many 10s of thousands of people a year learned about Dexter during this period between 2005 and 2008.

In past years, researchers at Drexel and Cheyney Universities have been working to co-create a media-based Dexter site interpretation for the public. This research involves employing a user centered-game design strategy for presenting Dexter’s life within a virtual landscape using 3D, immersive, computer technologies. Learn more about this below.

Independence National Historical Park and the National Constitution Center have undertaken 3D scanning projects of some of the artifacts recovered from the James Dexter site in order to produce educational materials and hands-on museum display items. The Independence Park Institute has a dedicated James Dexter educational classroom and four downloadable instructional packages for grades 5-12. Information on this can be found below.

Learn More about James Oronoco Dexter….

Documentary Video, In the Shadow of Liberty: The Search for James Oronoco Dexter:

​James Oronoco Dexter , a free African American coachman who lived in colonial Philadelphia, was one of the founding members of the first, autonomous, free black church in the United States. This feature-length, television documentary focuses on the archaeological excavation of the Dexter house site and the community involvement that helped shape this project. Created by independent film-maker Mitchell Smith (Media Smith Productions), this project began with initial funding provided by the National Park Service and the Philadelphia Archaeological Forum. The film’s completion was provided by the William Penn Foundation. The Dexter site excavation was an undertaking of the National Constitution Center and Independence National Historical Park, in consultation with members of the local community, in particular the Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mother Bethel). This story is captured in this documentary film.

Film short ‘teaser’ for a full video produced by Mitch Smith, Mediasmith films: 

Direct link to Film short ‘teaser’ for a full video produced by Mitch Smith, Mediasmith films: In the Shadow of Liberty, The Search for James Oronoco Dexter

To order copies of this documentary film contact: Media Smith Productions  

 

The James Dexter at the Independence National Historical Park Webpages:

Animal bones recovered from the trash pit reveal much about the daily diet in James Dexter’s household. These pig’s feet bones in particular provide insight into questions of social identity and cultural heritage. NPS photo

James Dexter Site and Digital Cultural History: Interpreting the James Dexter Archaeology

Selected News Reporting…

 

Educator Resources


    • History Found in Pieces, 4-Part, downloadable lesson plan: Archeology: History Found in Pieces/Grades 5-12, Independence Park Institute, Independence National Historical Park
    • James Dexter Archaeology Activity Sheet (Independence National Historical Park Archeology Lab)

James Oronoco Dexter Archaeology Evidence Featured in the America I Am exhibit

This exhibit at the National Constitution Center was organized by Tavis Smiley. The exhibit showcased 400 years of African American life, including results of the Dexter dig. The exhibit debuted on Inauguration Day for President Barak Obama in 2008.

Tavis Smiley’s exhibit on black experience here in Jan.(Philly.com, 08/21/2008)

Historical Plaque Dedication commemorating James Dexter and His African American Neighbors , 2003

 

 


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