Ceramics as Wealth in Nineteenth Century Virginia

Location

Room 207, Schewel Hall

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

100

Start Date

4-5-2023 10:45 AM

End Date

4-5-2023 11:00 AM

College

Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Department

History

Keywords

Lynchburg History, American History, 19th Century, Archaeology

Abstract

In the nineteenth century, ideas of socioeconomic status were changing across Virginia. The development of the American economy, industrialization across industries, and widespread technological advancements meant that once agreed upon metrics of class and status were being renegotiated. One of the changing status symbols of the time were ceramics and table wares. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, having any number of ceramic serving pieces was considered to be indicative of an upper-class lifestyle. By the end of the century, ceramic goods had become easily accessible and thus the symbol of status became the number of pieces and how intricate and refined those pieces were. Historic Sandusky was once a plantation in Lynchburg of almost 1600 acres with up to 12 enslaved individuals working on it. Recently, a large cache of ceramics and other artifacts was discovered under an addition on the original structure. Most of the pieces have been dated to the nineteenth century and as such are indicative of the lifestyle and material culture of the Hutter family, the residents of the home at the time. Ceramics are invaluable tools for archaeologists and historians to draw conclusions about the people who used them as they provide insight into class, financial status, social importance, and daily routine. The ceramics found at Sandusky specifically provide insight into the position of the Hutter family within greater Lynchburg society.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Christie Vogler

Rights Statement

The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

Import Event to Google Calendar

COinS
 
Apr 5th, 10:45 AM Apr 5th, 11:00 AM

Ceramics as Wealth in Nineteenth Century Virginia

Room 207, Schewel Hall

In the nineteenth century, ideas of socioeconomic status were changing across Virginia. The development of the American economy, industrialization across industries, and widespread technological advancements meant that once agreed upon metrics of class and status were being renegotiated. One of the changing status symbols of the time were ceramics and table wares. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, having any number of ceramic serving pieces was considered to be indicative of an upper-class lifestyle. By the end of the century, ceramic goods had become easily accessible and thus the symbol of status became the number of pieces and how intricate and refined those pieces were. Historic Sandusky was once a plantation in Lynchburg of almost 1600 acres with up to 12 enslaved individuals working on it. Recently, a large cache of ceramics and other artifacts was discovered under an addition on the original structure. Most of the pieces have been dated to the nineteenth century and as such are indicative of the lifestyle and material culture of the Hutter family, the residents of the home at the time. Ceramics are invaluable tools for archaeologists and historians to draw conclusions about the people who used them as they provide insight into class, financial status, social importance, and daily routine. The ceramics found at Sandusky specifically provide insight into the position of the Hutter family within greater Lynchburg society.