Conservation Strategies for Archaeologists
Faculty
Emily Williams,
conservator of archaeological materials at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation;
research interests include waterlogged organics, the burial environment,
and the history of conservation
and
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)
Seminar Overview
Review the role of conservation in the field and in the laboratory for archaeological projects. Discuss
planning and preparation for the care of excavated materials. Learn about
the condition of materials upon excavation and "first aid" packing and
transport methods for artifacts from both dry and waterlogged contexts.
Examine artifact preservation and methods to facilitate interpretation.
Learn how to perform simple stabilization techniques such as dewatering
waterlogged bone, removing chlorides from objects, and consolidating highly
degraded glass, as well as exploring tips for mending vessels.
This seminar is offered in conjunction with Archaeological Curation and Collections Management.
Evaluation Comments
"[The seminar offered] a nice combination of theoretical background and some very practical tips to use in the field."
"[I learned] different methods for retrieving artifacts responsibly and the ways in which they can be conserved."
"[The seminar included] very helpful information for preplanning field projects and ways to handle surprises in the field."
"[I gained] a solid understanding of what field conservation entails-from planning to management to hands on."
Participants
Archaeologists; archaeological lab staff; historic preservation specialists; project managers.
Related Seminars
Archaeological Curation and Collections Management
Locations and Dates
- Tuscon, AZ
March 15-16, 2010
offered in conjunction with
Archaeological Curation and Collections Management
in cooperation with
the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, City of Alexandria, Virginia,
the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona,
the Public History Program,
School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies,
Arizona State University, and
the State Historic Preservation Office,
Arizona State Parks
Seminar Location, Hours, and Hotels
Confirmation of registration is sent out to registered participants one month prior to the seminar date. The confirmation includes the seminar location, hours, and a list of conveniently located hotels. Seminars generally are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is recommended at least 6 weeks prior to the seminar to secure a place and to avoid cancellations due to low enrollment.
Cost (see Register for more information)
$450 (6-week advance registration); $500 (regular registration)
Rate for 5 days including Archaeological Curation and Collections Management:
$900 (6-week advance registration); $950 (regular registration)
National NAGPRA Program scholarships may be available through NPI for this seminar
Customized/On-Site Training
NPI also offers this seminar as customized, on-site training 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.