In this video, we show you how archaeologists piece together artifacts in order to learn about the object and, most importantly, the people who used the object.
archaeology lab
Video: UV Light in Museums
Ultraviolet light is an important and useful tool within the museum world. In this video, we show you how archaeologists and curators use UV light in their work with artifacts and historic objects.
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Labeling Artifacts
Archaeologists spend much more of their time working to determine the significance of an object than actually finding the object through excavation. This analytical work is done in an archaeology lab, where t is vital to keep the artifacts organized. This video shows how artifacts are labeled to help make sure nothing gets lost. Learn … Continue reading Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Labeling Artifacts
Video: Tricks of the Trade – Archaeology Lab Edition
Sometimes, it can be a challenge to precisely identify an artifact. When faced with this challenge, archaeologists working in the lab put their five senses to work and call upon some interesting 'tricks of the trade' to make those difficult identifications. Learn more about archaeology and being an archaeologist during Archaeology Day at Ferry Farm on … Continue reading Video: Tricks of the Trade – Archaeology Lab Edition
After Digging: What Happens in the Archaeology Lab?
Here at Ferry Farm for the last 13 years, professional archaeologists have been exploring the local landscape, digging hundreds of excavation units in their quest to reveal the history of all those who lived here, including, of course, the Washington family. Their investigative efforts have resulted in a multitude of artifacts dating from the earliest … Continue reading After Digging: What Happens in the Archaeology Lab?
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Cataloging Artifacts
Archaeologists spend much more of their time working to determine the significance of an object than actually finding the object through excavation. This analytical work is done in an archaeology lab. First, artifacts must be washed, which you can see here. Then, the artifacts are cataloged as the video below shows. Learn more about archaeology at … Continue reading Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Cataloging Artifacts
Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Washing Artifacts
Archaeologists spend much more of their time working to determine the significance of an object than actually finding the object through excavation. This analytical work is done in an archaeology lab. Before analysis can begin, the newly uncovered artifacts have to be thoroughly washed. This video shows how. Learn more about archaeology at Ferry Farm … Continue reading Video: Inside the Archaeology Lab – Washing Artifacts
What Is This Artifact?
Archaeologists are occasionally confronted with ‘mystery artifacts’ that either cannot be identified or have been altered to serve a purpose other than what was originally intended. Recently, in our small finds collection, we identified an artifact transformed in just such a way. Someone intentionally chipped away the edges of this 18th century leaded glass base … Continue reading What Is This Artifact?
Mending Those Humble Sherds
What do archaeologists do with the broken ceramic and glass artifacts after these objects have been excavated, cleaned, and catalogued? They are cool to look at but what do these little pieces actually tell us about the past? How can we use them to understand the lives of those who purchased, used, and eventually discarded … Continue reading Mending Those Humble Sherds
Lives & Legacies 