Research, Conservation and Curation at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
NSHM Archaeology Club* Event – February
Field work is only one aspect of archaeology. Rebecca Morehouse, the Curator of State Collections at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (The MAC Lab), will provide a behind the scenes glimpse into the MAC Lab and its research, conservation and curation programs, as well as discuss some of the challenges of balancing long term preservation with collections accessibility.
Over twenty years ago, the State of Maryland’s archaeological collections were moved into the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in southern Maryland. While this move was an important first step in improving the storage conditions of the Maryland’s collections, there is much more to curation than just a “state-of-the-art” facility. In the years since the MAC Lab opened, staff has spent countless hours organizing, rehousing, inventorying, and conserving the State’s collections in an effort to promote their long term preservation. Equally as important, however, is making the collections available to researchers, students, and other institutions for study, education, and exhibit.
Rebecca Morehouse received her B.A. in Anthropology and English from the State University of New York, College at Geneseo in 1995 and her M.A. in Anthropology with a concentration in Museum Studies from The George Washington University in 1997. She has over twenty years of experience in archaeological collections curation. Prior to becoming the Curator of State Collections at the MAC Lab, she was the Curator for the State Highway Administration‘s Archaeological Collections (1998-2002). As part of her studies in Anthropology and Museum Studies, she interned at the National Park Service, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Office (1997), Alexandria Archaeology (1996), the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site (1996-1997), and the New York State Museum (1994).
Zoom information will be provided upon registration. Please direct any questions about the program to bstrong@marylandnature.org.
* Natural History Society of Maryland’s Archaeology Club promotes the value of archaeology in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and surrounding areas. The goal of the Archaeology Club is to educate citizenry in the ethics, methods, and artifact preservation methods of archaeology and how archaeology can be used to document, discover, and promote local history. The Archaeology Club is inclusive to all persons who have an interest in archaeology.
Normally, Club meetings, trips and other activities are open solely to Club Members. However, during COVID, NHSM is opening up this meeting to all, though we are asking for a $5 donation from non-members. If you are an archaeology enthusiast, please consider joining us. You must be a member of NHSM to join any of its clubs. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.marylandnature.org/club-membership/
The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible.
