The Material Culture and Culture of Medicine in 19th Century Middletown, Connecticut

This historical archaeology thesis investigates the nature of pharmacy in 19th century Middletown, Connecticut by drawing upon materials excavated from the Beman Triangle, a historical site related to a 19th century free-African American planned community. Archaeological investigations at one of the residential properties on the Triangle revealed hundreds of glassware fragments related to chemistry activity and pharmaceutical production, including both prescription and proprietary medicine bottles, tubes, pipettes, flasks, syringes, etc. This study utilizes archival materials in the form of city directories, censuses, property records, and historical newspaper advertisements to investigate healthcare practices and perceptions in Middletown in the late 19th century in order to better understand the social and cultural context of the archaeological materials.