We also collect more in the field than can be retained in the
permanent collection. We are in the process of writing a formal
policy, to standardize collection/discard and to make the whole
process more objective.
We currently use functional classes to determine the sample to be
retained. We usually keep 100% sample of ceramics and personal items;
only a small representative sample of construction materials,
hardware, flat glass and container glass. That small sample can
include any item determined to be temporally or culturally diagnostic.
Conservation and preservation issues (and costs) have an influence.
We do not retain items which are not stable chemically and thus
unsafe, i.e., some 19th century pharmacutical products.
My program is also struggling with the issue of historical archaeology
collections and museum storage space. Thank you for opening this
discussion again.
Kelly Hamilton
Museum Archaeology Program
State Historical Society of Wisconsin
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