Gretchen,

What a fascinating find!

They certainly aren't architectural fragments.

They are archeological in that they have been found in a particular special
context which might provide insight about past human behavior.  For
instance, if they got into the wall through a hole that was higher than the
top layer, there is probably a time sequence that can be ascertained, at
least for those that came out of the same wall (unless they have already
been removed without recording that). That time sequence might possibly be
able to be related to some particular occupancy of the house or building.
They may also show some human behavior that is usually not evidenced.  Did
people hide things in walls for some reason?  Or were they just discards
tossed into a convenient place? 

I think these would be catalogued as if they were archeological. Even though
there is no datum to relate them to, they definitely have a location that is
a fairly permanent one to which they should remain associated. This would be
similar to cataloguing a surface collection at an archeological site that
has been collected prior to setting a datum.

The exception would be that if they have been removed without any recorded
location or association, they would comprise part of a history collection.

Most museum catalogs have a data field to tell where the item was found, and
in that way you can associate them with each other after they are taken out
and catalogued. Then (if they have been catalogued as archeological) they
could be cross referenced in some way, so that a toy found in a wall can be
retrieved along with other toys in the collections.

I'll be anxiously awaiting other opinions. This it the kind of query that
makes Museum-L fun as well as educational.

Lucy





-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of David Harvey
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 11:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Objects found within walls

Gretchen,

It ultimately depends on how you wish to use these arifacts. In my
opinion they aren't archaeological because they are above-ground and
are not identified with a specific strata or feature - which is
ultimately the basis for archaeological datam. They are closer to a
history or decorative arts type collection but also are unique and
pristine because they were deposited within walls and did not have a
longer subsequent history or provenance. And they are intimately
associated with architecture but do not comprise architectural
fragments.

I would say that they are probably closest in context to your
curatorial collections - they would make a fascinating exhibit if you
could recreate the wall section where they were found - visitors
absolutely love these sorts of discoveries! (and I have met a few
people who read the news about these sorts of finds and immediately
went home to open up some walls in their old houses!).

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California



On 8/14/06, Gretchen Goodell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Dear Colleagues:
>
>
>
> We are currently examining the correct placement of a grouping of objects
> that have been found within walls of historic buildings through
> architectural investigations and restorations.  The objects run the gamut
> from animal remains to buttons and shoes.  They are currently being
> cataloged and housed with our architectural fragments collection, but
> discussion has been taking place within our organization as to whether
that
> is the most logical location for them.  We also have a curatorial
collection
> and an archaeological collection; it seems that arguments can be made for
> their inclusion in any of these collections in some manner.
>
>
>
> Do any of you have similar collections at your institution?  If so, how do
> you deal with them?
>
>
>
> Thank you in advance for helping us think through this issue!
>
>
>
> Gretchen
>
>
>
> Gretchen M. Goodell
>
> Assistant Curator
>
> George Washington's Mount Vernon
>
> P.O. Box 110
>
> Mount Vernon, VA  22121
>
> Phone:  703-799-5208
>
> Fax:  703-799-8698
>
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