I remembered that this topic has been discussed often on the historical archaeology listserv, HISTARCH. If you subscribe you can search the archive. Cheryl Cheryl J. Straker Curator of History Ohio Historical Society 1982 Velma Avenue Columbus, OH 43211 [log in to unmask] www.ohiohistory.org ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pamela Silvestri Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 1:42 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Objects found within walls I agree. The data has been recorded and/or can be reconstructed for use in an archaeological study. In this case at hand it appears that the data which was collected is consistent with an archaeological investigation. If the data has yet to be analyzed, it may be wise to categorize it as archaeological. If not, l also stress what you said Trevor of course - to cross-reference associated materials and flag them for study. As you have noted Trevor- not all archaeological remains and features are below ground. Typically, an historic structure is more likely to be considered 1st for an archaeological investigation if it is, 'standing ruins'. During which of course data will be collected to be used to analyze the architectural features...and so vice-versa if the direction of the study was 1st, the architectural for which archaeological remains were found. Although datable artifacts may be helpful in determining the age of the wall...it will be a variable date. Datable artifacts are determinants for terminus post quem and terminus ante quem dating of the deposition of the artifact(s)...therefore the archaeological find may predate or postdate the wall by numerous years. The only way to more closely date the wall in association with the artifacts would be to prove that the deposition of the artifacts occurred along with the construction of the wall. Pam In a message dated 8/15/2006 10:10:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: I'm afraid that I would have to disagree with David on this one. Walls are capable of being archaeological features whether they are above or below ground. If you have the records of exactly where they have been found then you can treat them as archaeological objects. And of course like finds in any archaeological feature they can help date the wall in which they were found. However I don't think it matters too much which collection they are in provided they remain associated with the information about how and where they were discovered. Trevor Reynolds Collections Registrar English Heritage 3 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8YZ postal address English Heritage 1 Waterhouse Square, 138 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST Pamela Silvestri, Seasonal Interpretive Guide Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum Connecticut State Department of Environmental Protection State Parks Division Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters 166 Chestnut Hill Road Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076 Telephone: (860) 684-3430 e-mail: [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).