JUNE 15 - OCTOBER 15, 2008
CHARLES L. FISHER GALLERY

An archaeological excavation that took place in 2004 on Sheridan Avenue in Albany, New York, helps reveal the realities of life for a city’s immigrants. Sections of the neighborhood that were unearthed revealed steep topography, poor drainage, insufficient infrastructure and cheaply constructed housing. It therefore only attracted residents with limited economic means.

After the opening of the Erie Canal Albany saw a population explosion in the early to mid 19th century. It was a city on the rise. Take a peek inside the lives of poor, hard working people who carved out lives on the edge of a booming city.