Archaeologists frequently find themselves explaining why archaeology matters. Through the captivating narrative of his experience with one site, Feder reveals that archaeology is more about the living than the dead. In this story, we are reminded that the past binds us to each other and gives meaning to our lives. Archaeology is the tangible evidence of all those people, many with extraordinary stories, that the history books forgot or historic records characterized with unflattering declarations. This is particularly true of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Community. Archaeology reveals the truth of their humanity, what Feder calls the 'magic of archaeology' In the most engaging manner, Dr. Feder takes the reader along on his personal journey, possible obsession, with the Lighthouse community. A self-proclaimed "document nerd" and exceptional archaeologist, he communicates the otherwise tedious fundamentals of archeological methods and historic research through an engrossing narrative that leaves the reader feeling connected to this no longer forgotten community.

The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family is a meticulous weaving together of facts, acknowledging the unknowable, to demonstrate that history does not need to be fictionalized to be interesting. Although the book is written as a tribute to James and Molly Chaugham and their descendants, their story resonates with contemporary issues of identity, social acceptance, and discrimination; as well as the perpetually alluring subject of love and family. hat leaves the reader feeling connected to this no longer forgotten community. The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family is a meticulous weaving together of facts, acknowledging the unknowable, to demonstrate that history does not need to be fictionalized to be interesting. Although the book is written as a tribute to James and Molly Chaugham and their descendants, their story resonates with contemporary issues of identity, social acceptance, and discrimination; as well as the perpetually alluring subject of love and family. hat leaves the reader feeling connected to this no longer forgotten community. The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family is a meticulous weaving together of facts, acknowledging the unknowable, to demonstrate that history does not need to be fictionalized to be interesting. Although the book is written as a tribute to James and Molly Chaugham and their descendants, their story resonates with contemporary issues of identity, social acceptance, and discrimination; as well as the perpetually alluring subject of love and family.

hat leaves the reader feeling connected to this no longer forgotten community. The Barkhamsted Lighthouse: The Archaeology of the Lighthouse Family is a meticulous weaving together of facts, acknowledging the unknowable, to demonstrate that history does not need to be fictionalized to be interesting. Although the book is written as a tribute to James and Molly Chaugham and their descendants, their story resonates with contemporary issues of identity, social acceptance, and discrimination; as well as the perpetually alluring subject of love and family. of identity, social acceptance, and discrimination; as well as the perpetually alluring subject of love and family.