Hosted by: Museum Association of Newfoundland & Labrador (MANL)
Description:
Ever wondered what happens after archaeologists dig up objects of the past? If so, then join MANL and Memorial University’s Archaeological Curator/Geophysical Technician, Maria Lear, and Archaeological Conservator, Donna Teasdale, in an interactive workshop exploring how artifacts and belongings are cared for after excavation. This workshop includes learning about artifact curation, exhibit design, conservation, and some of the logistics of running an archaeological dig in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Start the morning with a presentation on a broad-stroke overview of running an archaeological dig, including legislation, permitting, and site logistics, along with the post-excavation phase that involves collections and curation.
After the presentation, we will move downstairs for a quick tour of Memorial’s Collections Room, leading into a practical session on conservation in Memorial’s Conservation Lab.
The practical session will involve participants gathering in stations with different types of materials. During the session, participants will be guided through how different agents cause deterioration and corrosion on artifacts. Next, participants will learn the various steps taken to stabilize and preserve each type of artifact from the burial environment through to collections storage. Participants will also be given the opportunity to try their hand at removing corrosion from iron artifacts. Finally, if time allows, participants will be shown how to perform a block lift to safely remove a delicate artifact from the ground.
Location: Queen’s College Room 2013, Memorial University
