University of Nebraska Press New Life for Archaeological Collections (Society for Historical Archaeology Series in Material Culture)

New Life for Archaeological Collections explores solutions to what archaeologists are calling the “curation crisis,” that is, too much stuff with too little research, analysis, and public interpretation. This volume demonstrates how archaeologists are taking both large and small steps toward not only solving the dilemma of storage but recognizing the value of these collections through inventorying and cataloging, curation, rehousing, artifact conservation, volunteer and student efforts, and public exhibits. Essays in this volume highlight new questions and innovative uses for existing archaeological collections. Rebecca Allen and Ben Ford advance ways to make the evaluation and documentation of these collections more accessible to those inside and outside of the scholarly discipline of archaeology. Contributors to New Life for Archaeological Collections introduce readers to their research while opening new perspectives for scientists and students alike to explore the world of archaeology. These essays illuminate new connections between cultural studies and the general availability of archaeological research and information.  Drawing from the experience of university professors, government agency professionals, and cultural resource managers, this volume represents a unique commentary on education, research, and the archaeological community.   Review “This volume is on the cutting edge of conversations about collections-based research. In addition to bringing increased awareness to an important issue in the field, the volume contains chapters that address different issues related to the use of existing collections. Authored by a wide array of professionals, the chapters consider the ethics and practicalities of making archaeological collections accessible, using them for research, and relating them to broader publics.”—Lee Panich, associate professor of anthropology at Santa Clara University Author: Lee Panich“This is a timely subject of importance to the field. While collections-based research and outreach are not new, the growing discussion around the subject is new and has the potential to help others in their own work.”—Julia King, professor of anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland Author: Julia King From the Author Rebecca Allen is a principal associate at Environmental Science Associates and copublications and journal associate editor for the Society for Historical Archaeology. She is coeditor of Ceramic Identification in Historical Archaeology: The View from California, 1822–1940 and Baffle Marks and Pontil Scars: A Reader on Historic Bottle Identification. Ben Ford is a professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is the coeditor, with Alexis Catsambis and Donny Hamilton, of The Oxford Handbook of Maritime Archaeology.     About the Author Rebecca Allen is director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Department at the United Auburn Indian Community and copublications and journal associate editor for the Society for Historical Archaeology. She is coeditor of Ceramic Identification in Historical Archaeology: The View from California, 1822–1940 and Baffle Marks and Pontil Scars: A Reader on Historic Bottle Identification. Ben Ford is a professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is the coeditor, with Alexis Catsambis and Donny Hamilton, of The Oxford Handbook of Maritime Archaeology.