Become familiar with principles and methods for curation and management of archaeological collections. Topics will include responsibilities under federal regulations (36 CFR Part 79), archaeological standards, collections policies, costs of curation, storage facilities, proper housing of collections, archaeological laboratory procedures, cataloguing systems, and educating the public with archaeological collections.

Learn how to begin a cemetery preservation or restoration project and how to help ensure that sound choices are made to avoid harming what you seek to protect. Discussions focus on current issues in cemetery preservation, such as recording and documenting cemeteries and graveyards, undertaking preservation efforts, and exploring conservation techniques and issues.

Learn how to protect historic cemetery landscapes, preserve integrity of design, and safeguard tombstones and monuments while pursuing a practical outlook on maintenance and budget concerns. Explore approaches to caring for softscapes, or plantings, and hardscapes, including roads, pathways, and benches. Discuss effective pruning and cutting techniques, and when chemicals and heavy equipment can be safely and productively used. Review the basics of short- and long-term preservation plans.

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.

Understanding subject matter, composition, technique, and equipment are critical to a successful photodocumentation project. Review the use of digital and film photography techniques for mitigation documentation and for National Register nomination packages, with emphasis on survey work, presentations, publications, and the web. Compare camera formats (35 mm, medium, and large for film; 35 mm equivalent and digital backs for digital) and digital vs. film output and storage options. Discuss requirements for reviewing agencies and archival processes. Explore issues involved in contracting and supervising photographic projects.