Archaearium is a new word meaning “a place of beginnings” that was created to describe a unique place. The Archaearium is the museum for the archaeological findings of the Jamestown Rediscovery project’s excavations at Historic Jamestowne.

The Archaearium: Rediscovering Jamestown 1607-1699 is a guidebook to the museum written by Beverly A. Straube, curator of the Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project. High-quality photographs of the artifacts accompany Straube’s text as she lets the objects themselves present the story of Jamestown from its beginnings in May, 1607 until the capital’s move to Williamsburg in 1699. Documentary evidence and contemporary paintings throughout the guide help give the artifacts historical context. A map of James Fort and an accompanying artifact legend allow the reader to see where each of the artifacts were excavated, just yards away from the Archaearium itself.

For those about to make a trip to Historic Jamestowne, this guidebook will give a taste of what the Archaearium has to offer. It is also an excellent souvenir for past visitors. History buffs will love the wide variety of artifacts presented, from domestic to military to religious in nature, and the high-detail photographs that allow readers an intimacy with objects that were once handled by Captain John Smith and his fellow settlers 400 years ago.

•   Paperback: 95 pages
•   Publisher: APVA Preservation Virginia, 2007
•   ISBN: 0917565142
•   Dimensions: Width: 9.5", Height: 8", Depth: 0.25", Weight: 11 ounces.