Archaeological survey of Langston Hughes birth site in Joplin
JOPLIN, MO - Acclaimed African American Writer Langston Hughes was born in February 1901 in a house formerly located at 1046 S. Joplin Avenue in Joplin.
The house was demolished in the 1950's and is now a vacant lot owned by the local Satterlee family. On the morning of Wednesday June 21st, a team from the Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research at Missouri State University will undertake a geophysical survey to explore if any remnants of the original house are present in the ground.
If remnants of the house are found, a follow-up archaeological dig is planned to uncover the foundations and any artifacts connected with the previous occupants, including, potentially, the Hughes family.
Melissa Swindell, President of the Langston Hughes Cultural Society said: "The Langston Hughes Cultural Society is very grateful to the site owners the Satterlee family for their generous support of this project and we are pleased to be working with the Missouri State University Archaeology expert team to explore this unique site."
Bill Martin, Langston Hughes Cultural Society Historian said: "We have extensively researched the history of the Hughes family connections to Joplin, in particular the compelling evidence showing that Langston Hughes was born at this particular place, and one year earlier - February 1, 1901, than previously documented. I am very excited to see if remnants of the house are present in the ground."
SCHEDULE
The MSU team will arrive from Springfield around 9 a.m. Set-up is expected to take about an hour and survey data collection will take about another hour. The MSU team expect to be heading back to Springfield around lunchtime. The team is willing to speak to the media before they begin collecting the survey data which then cannot be interrupted.
PRESENTATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT
At 6.30 p.m. on June 20th at Minnie Hackney Community Service Center at 110 S. Main St. Joplin, Langston Hughes Cultural Society historian Bill Martin will give a fascinating talk on his research into the site, and how he came to the conclusion that Langston was not only born at this place, but one year earlier than previously assumed. Light refreshments will be served during the event.
DONATIONS
Langston Hughes Cultural Society is developing plans to put up a historical marker and carry out further archaeological and landscaping work at the site. Donations towards these efforts are welcome and can be made using one of the following methods:
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/3946362
- Langston Hughes Cultural Society Facebook page
- Check made to the Langston Hughes Cultural Society: PO Box 1183, 101 S. Main St. Joplin, MO 64802
QUESTIONS
For questions about the birth site and history of Langston Hughes connection to Joplin, please contact Langston Hughes Cultural Society Historian Bill Martin at bmartin2510@gmail.com
For questions about this project, please contact project coordinator Linda Teeter at joplinartsdistrict@gmail.com
Langston Hughes Cultural Society President Melissa Swindell at info@langstonhughes.org
For questions about the archeological work contact: Brandon T. Ives, Research Archaeologist
at BrandonIves@MissouriState.edu
ABOUT LANGSTON HUGHES CULTURAL SOCIETY
Born in Joplin in 1901, Langston Hughes was one of the most acclaimed American writers. His broad scope of works includes poetry, plays, novels, memoirs, and music.
He wrote extensively for children to prepare them for the difficulties they would face; teaching them to celebrate their beauty and instill pride in their culture.
With this in mind, the goals of the non-profit Langston Hughes Cultural Society, formed in 2019 by a group of local people are to:
- Increase awareness and appreciation of Langston Hughes and his contribution to art, literature, and education.
- Foster appreciation of Langston Hughes' connection to the Joplin community by providing educational, artistic, literary, and cultural opportunities in the birthplace of Langston Hughes.
- Help fund and maintain locations with historical connection to Langston Hughes in the Joplin area.
