Sara Bon-Harper is the Executive Director of James Monroe’s Highland in Albemarle County, Virginia. Research she initiated at Highland has recently discovered the archaeological remains of the Monroes’ main house and opened a new chapter of site interpretation, with inclusive narratives and descendant collaboration. Ms. Bon-Harper earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Classics from the University of Arizona. She has taught and conducted research in Europe and North America. At the College of William & Mary she holds the titles of Research Professor of Anthropology and Faculty Affiliate of the Institute for Integrative Conservation. She serves on the board of the Presidential Precinct.

Ms. Bon-Harper was Monticello’s Archaeological Research Manager from 1999 to 2012, where she led a team investigating lost elements of the plantation landscape, and developed a passion for reaching varied audiences through interpretation of research. Her prior work focused on Roman peripheries in Italy and France, with topical expertise in archaeological ceramics and research methods. She has lectured and written on a variety of themes, including the analysis of archaeological data, landscapes of slavery, and the construction of historic narratives for academic and popular audiences.