Your session topic sounds intriguing. I've been working with probate inventories to get a more complete picture of the hide and leather industry in Pittsburgh between 1840 and 1900. The inventories I have been using came from tanners and fellmongers who died and their inventories on hand in the tanneries made its ways into the probates. The inventories I have provide unique insights into the technologies used, tannery size and layout, production capacities and product lines.   
 
Sadly, I have very little archaeology from my project at this point and I've been struggling with finding a way to get into the SHA meetings next year. Your session idea sounds like a good way to get some of my research in.  If the idea sounds good to you, let me know.
 
David Rotenstein
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David S. Rotenstein, Ph.D.                                   
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