Archaeological Curation, Conservation, and Collections Management
Faculty
Barbara H. Magid, assistant city archaeologist for Alexandria Archaeology, working in Alexandria, Virginia, specializing in collections management and historic artifacts
and
Emily Williams, conservator of archaeological materials at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; research interests include waterlogged organics, the burial environment, and the history of conservation
or
Lisa Young, archaeological conservator and president of Alexandria Conservation Services, Ltd.; research interests include the treatment of dry and wet material, surveying archaeological collections, and the deterioration and preservation of polymers (plastics)
and
Guest speakers
Seminar Overview
Become familiar with principles and methods for curation and management of archaeological collections. Topics will include responsibilities under federal regulations (36 CFR Part 79) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; archaeological standards; collections policies; costs of curation; storage facilities; field conservation; proper housing of collections; archaeological laboratory procedures; cataloguing systems; and educating the public with archaeological collections.
See also seminar description for Day 1 of Conservation Strategies for Archaeologists on April 14-16, 2008; this day is included in the Archaeological Curation, Conservation, and Collections Management seminar.
Evaluation Comments
"A good review and a good opportunity to meet and talk to other collections managers."
"It met my expectations by getting more detailed about appropriate methods and providing resources for further research. It exceeded it by the great contacts that have been made."
"I have a much better grasp of issues involved in collections management."
"It was especially beneficial to see that we all have had the same or similar issues and to see how to go about trying to solve or improve situations. This is definitely one of the best workshops I have attended."
"Many good ideas on different materials and storage."
"The resources offered in the forms of bibliographies, web sites, vendors, and grant resources were helpful. [They'll] allow me to take further steps to rectify less than perfect situations within our budget restrictions."
"I did not expect to get so many ideas. I was truly stimulated intellectually."
"As someone who has attended many seminars, this one was by far the most helpful. I learned beneficial information regarding preparation and storage of collections. I feel much more prepared in the proper handling of collections prior to handing them over to a repository. Also useful was learning about the museum side of collection handling."
Participants
Managers responsible for archaeological collections; archaeologists; museum curators and administrators.
Related Seminars
NAGPRA and ARPA: Applications and Requirements
Native American Cultural Property Law
Location and Dates
- Boston (Charlestown), MA
September 15-18, 2008
in cooperation with
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, City of Alexandria, Virginia,
the National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park, and
the National Park Service, The Northeast Museum Services Center
Cost (see Register for more information)
$675 (6-week advance registration); $725 (regular registration).
On-site and Customized Training
NPI offers this seminar as an on-site or customized seminar to meet specific organizational needs. Seminars can be tailored to create single- or multiple-day workshops at a location and time convenient to the sponsor. Contact NPI at 703.765.0100 or info@npi.org for further information.