The Boston Harbor Islands contain some of the most intact Native American and historical archaeological sites and landscapes in Boston, and the Harbor’s ancient floor hosts historic shipwrecks and submerged Native sites. Climate change and its associated storms and sea level rise are putting this history at risk. City Archaeologist Joe Bagley discusses the threats to these resources as part of Massachusetts’ Archaeology Month. This talk includes discussion of current and proposed efforts to document archaeological sites in Boston before they are lost.
Joe Bagley joined the City Archaeology Program in 2011 as the fourth City Archaeologist since 1983. Bagley curates a growing repository of archaeological collections currently housed at the City Archaeology Laboratory at 201 Rivermoor St. in West Roxbury, acts as the review and compliance agent for below-ground cultural resources in the city, educates the public in archaeology through a number of city programs, manages Rainsford Island, and manages the Archaeology Programs social media platforms. Joe received his Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Historical Archaeology from UMass Boston. While a senior at BU he worked at the City Archaeology Lab under the previous City Archaeologist, Ellen Berkland, to analyze the Native American artifacts excavated by former City Archaeologist, Steven Pendery, on Boston Common. Joe has conducted archaeological surveys from the woods of Maine to the Florida Everglades. He specializes in both Native American and Historical archaeological analysis and the archaeology of Boston. In 2016 he was awarded the John L. Cotter Award from the Society for Historical Archaeology for early career achievements. He lives in the Lower Mills neighborhood of Dorchester with his wife, Jen, and their dog, Jack.