What Did Archaeology at the Erma Hayman House Tell Boise, Idaho?

Originally from Boise, Dr. William White III is an Assistant Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. White led an archaeological dig in Boise’s River Street Neighborhood in 2015.  In his talk, he discusses the excavation, and explores how social theory, archaeology, and historic preservation collaborations can impact local communities while also addressing painful histories. His forthcoming book, Segregation Made them Neighbors: An Archaeology of Racialization in Boise, Idaho, will be published in February 2023 by the University of Nebraska Press.   

About William White III

When he was four years old, William "Bill” White decided he wanted to either be an astronaut or an archaeologist when he grew up. He decided to follow his dream career of doing archaeology as a teenager when he realized he was an inch too tall to fit into a NASA space suit. Since then, Bill has never looked back.  

After graduating from Borah High School in 1997, Bill finished his Bachelor of Arts in anthropology at Boise State University in 2001 and his Master’s at the University of Idaho in 2005. Upon completing his Masters, Bill entered a colorful career in the cultural resource management industry. This work took him all over the United States. From temperate rainforests in Washington to high-altitude sites in Nevada, Tidewater plantations in Virginia, and the beautiful but scorching deserts of Arizona—Bill has worked on dozens of archaeological projects and written more than 50 technical reports since 2004. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree in anthropology at the University of Arizona in 2017. His peer-reviewed works include a contribution to a volume of Historical Archaeology (Volume 51, Issue 1) “Challenging Theories of Racism, Diaspora, and Agency in African America,” a volume of which he is also co-editor. His forthcoming book, Segregation Made them Neighbors: An Archaeology of Racialization in Boise, Idaho, will be published by the University of Nebraska Press in February 2023.

How to Participate

These free, hour-long events take place at 6 p.m. (MT) in-person in the Maryanne Jordan Council Chambers at Boise City Hall and virtually over ZOOM with automated live subtitles. Pre-registration is required to join virtually. Cash bar available for in-person guests. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Attend at City Hall

Boise City Hall | 150 N. Capitol Blvd. | Boise, ID 83702

Participate Virtually (Zoom)

https://cityofboise.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WEMkX7WsTVy1Fry6YkxKgw

The Boise City Department of Arts & History encourages persons with disabilities and those who require language assistance to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodation, please email artsandhistory@cityofboise.org or call 208-608-7050 as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours before the event. To request assistance, you may also dial TTY 1-800-377-3529.