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
artifact analysis
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
Masonic Pipe in 3D
Recently, a 3D image of a smoking pipe was added to the Virtual Curation Lab, an online project of Virginia Commonwealth University. You can view rotate, zoom, and manipulate the image by clicking the photo above or by clicking here. The smoking pipe was discovered within the fill of the main cellar of the Washington family … Continue reading Masonic Pipe in 3D
A ‘Link’ Between the Washingtons and William and Mary
This cuff link or ‘sleeve button’ – made in the mid 1700s – was recovered by archaeologists from George Washington’s boyhood home at Ferry Farm. It is one of the earliest examples of the Washington family’s resistance to King George III. What makes this sleeve button so interesting is the man depicted: King William III, … Continue reading A ‘Link’ Between the Washingtons and William and Mary
In Search of Mary’s Mug
Archaeologists are always trying to link artifacts with the actual people who lived at the sites we study. As such, we get very excited when we find artifacts with people’s names on them. It makes our job easy, right? So, imagine our elation when a small creamware cup bearing the words “A Present For Mary” … Continue reading In Search of Mary’s Mug
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 