Strengthening Transatlantic Ties: Andrew Fiske Center for Archaeological Research Hosts Partners from Sylvester Manor and University of the West Indies at Cave Hill.

On October 30, 2025, the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at UMass Boston welcomed our partners Alice Clark and Donnamarie Barnes from the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, along with Drs. Cleve Scott and Henderson Carter and several students from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, for a day of collaboration, exchange, and celebration. The visit marked an important step in strengthening our ongoing partnership dedicated to advancing research on the archaeology and history of the African diaspora in the Atlantic world.

From left to right: Alice Clark, Donnamarie Barnes and a student from UWI Cave Hill at the Introductory session.

The event brought together faculty, researchers, and graduate students to reflect on the shared goals of our institutions: to build a collaborative research network that spans Boston, Barbados, and Shelter Island, and to deepen our understanding of the Sylvesters across multiple centuries, as well as the lives and labor of the Afro-Indigenous communities at Sylvester Manor and the Constant/Carmichael Plantation in Barbados.

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Exploring the Fiske Center and NEAAAL Labs

The day began with a brief introductory session facilitated by Drs. Stephen Mrozowski, David Landon, Nedra Lee, Heather Trigg, and Christa Beranek, who provided an overview of the Fiske Center’s research and its contributions to understanding life at Sylvester Manor.

Dr. Stephen Mrozowski welcoming our partners at the introductory session.

Dr. Nedra Lee discussing the importance our work at NEAAL with our partners from Sylvester Manor and UWI Cave Hill.

Following the introductions, guests participated in a guided tour of the Fiske Center laboratories, including the New England African American Archaeology Laboratory (NEAAAL). During the tour, visitors were introduced to the wide range of archaeological work taking place at UMass Boston—from the processing and cataloging of field materials to advanced artifact analysis and digital documentation. For UWI Cave Hill student Carlinn Barrow, the visit was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of international collaboration:

“These tours foster international collaboration, deepen critical inquiry, and ensure that Barbados continues to play a vital role in interpreting the global story of the African diaspora,” Barrow shared.

Dr. Heather Trigg discussing the contribution of micro-botanical analysis to our understanding provisioning at Sylvester Manor.

Graduate students in NEAAAL currently engaged in various aspects of the Sylvester Manor Archaeology Project—including collection management, material conservation, and thesis research—shared their work with the visiting delegation. Their presentations demonstrated how ongoing research contributes to a deeper understanding of life at Sylvester Manor across multiple centuries, illuminating stories of labor, trade, and community that span generations.

Graduate student Ella Virkler demonstrating the importance of faunal analysis in understanding provisioning at Sylvester Manor.

Graduate student Samantha Side talking about the importance of personal adornment of several generation Sylvester women in understand social structures.

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Celebrating Partnership and Exchange

The visit concluded with a shared lunch and an exchange of gifts—symbolic gestures of friendship and mutual respect. Lunchtime offered a welcome opportunity for conversation and connection, as participants reflected on the day’s discussions and future collaborations.

Dr. Steve Mrozowski, Director of the Fiske Center, presented the UWI Cave Hill team with UMass Boston merchandise as a token of appreciation and solidarity. In return, he was gifted a painting by a Barbadian artist, representing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Caribbean.

Dr John Steinberg interacting with a student at lunch time.

Dr. Steve Mrozowski receiving a painting by a Barbadian artist.

Dr. John Steinberg and Dr. Dave Landon were also presented with books authored by our partners from UWI Cave Hill, focusing on the history and cultural landscape of Barbados.

These exchanges embodied the spirit of the day—a shared commitment to collaboration, learning, and the co-creation of knowledge that transcends geographic boundaries.

Dr. John Steinberg receiving a writen by our partners UWI Cave Hill.

Dr. David Landon receiving a book written by our partners from UWI Cave Hill.

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Looking Ahead

This visit reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in archaeological research and education. By connecting scholars and students from the Caribbean and the northeastern United States, we continue to build a transatlantic network of research that emphasizes shared heritage, community engagement, and the histories of Afro-indigenous communities.

As the partnership grows, the Fiske Center together with NEAAAL, UWI Cave Hill, and Sylvester Manor will continue to work together through fieldwork, collections study, and academic exchange. These collaborations not only deepen our understanding of the past but also strengthen the relationships shaping the future of archaeological research.