Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Today, I did more research for the archaeology exhibit. Dr. Ashley sent Lenny more articles relating to the sites the exhibit will showcase. There are only one or two sites/topics I still need to research, so I feel like my adamant research the last two week has paid off. I feel this project coming to a close (which it has to!) this week. Although inventory is never done, I will probably leave MOSH with the sense that the preliminary research I was tasked with finding will be complete.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Today, I finished my research. The preliminary research for the upcoming Northeast Florida archaeology exhibit is done. Hopefully, it will come into use during the design of the exhibit. I finished with 17 documents from 25 sources, and I feel I found most of what is out there to find on the Internet and all of Google Scholar. Today I also printed out inventory sheets (to prove to my advisor that I actually DID inventory). I saved my last bit of inventory for tomorrow. I have about 25 pieces of broken shell from a shell midden left, which shouldn't take me too long.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
I cannot believe that today was my last day here at MOSH. I finished my inventory of shells from the Dent Mound box that I was working on. I did stumble across something interesting- among the shells, in a bag marked "5 shell fragments", I actually found 3 bones. I noticed them by their color and weight. I was pretty good at finding bones in the field last summer when I participated in an archaeological field school in the Bahamas, and it was a good feeling to know that I haven't yet lost that skill. Two of the bones I could not identify, but one was clearly a vertebra. I have no idea how the archaeologists that first excavated the Dent Mound in the 1970's and 80's, and then another analyzed it in the 90's, completely missed it. In their defense, it was among boxes and boxes of shells and rocks, so whoever looked at it last was probably in some kind of trance after seeing so many broken pieces of dirty shell.
Anyways, after I finished and printed my last inventory sheet, I had my final review with the curator, Lenny. It went well, and it was sad to say good bye to everyone. I did ask Lenny to keep in touch with me about the exhibit, and I cannot wait until it is opened in October and I can come up and see it! I really hope some of my research shines through.
Overall, I am completely grateful for this internship experience this summer. I just wanted to see what museums were like, and instead I did not only that, but also got to help with the area in which I actually have some experience- archaeology. This internship could not have went any better as far as the time I had and the knowledge that I have gained. I will definitely find a way to incorporate public history and public archaeology into my future career. Thank you, MOSH, for an unbelievable public history internship!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Week 9
Tuesday, July16, 2013
Today, I inventoried a few Dent Mound boxes from Unit 66. The first couple of boxes were of reconstructed bowls, which were pretty cool. The last box I left off on was a box entirely of shell fragments. Shells were used profusely among the Native Americans of Northeast Florida as a marine resource for food, tools, and adornment. Their use of shells is evident in the large shell middens they have left behind for archaeologists to find (and then for museum interns to inventory 10 years later). Although most of the fragments are indiscernible, I tried to identify at least the species of shell or what basic type/shape it was.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Today, I came in ready to finish my box of shell fragments, but I got an email from Lenny with attachments to more articles written by Keith Ashley. Some of the research and information needed for my exhibit research is so new that it is not yet widely available on the internet, so I requested some articles from Dr. Ashley's Curriculum Vitae that I thought would be helpful. He responded to Lenny this morning with four attached articles, adding that he would send more soon. So, naturally, with my time at MOSH dwindling, I got straight to researching. I have much more to get through, and I would like to have it finished and organized by the time I have to leave the museum.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Today, I continued to research. I have to admit, I am probably being too thorough, but since the exact direction of each site in the exhibit has not been determined, I find any relevant information too important to miss. I'm sure only a fraction of all the information I am recording will end up in the exhibit, but since I'm not positive which information, I take ample notes. I still feel like I have so much to do before my time here ends. I do feel the research aspect coming to a close since I have done so much, but I feel I have barely made a dent in inventory. Although, inventory is never finished, so people must always feel this way. I cannot believe that next week is my last week at MOSH. I do not want it to end and I now know why so many interns who live in Jacksonville stay on as Collections volunteers after their official internships are over.
Today, I inventoried a few Dent Mound boxes from Unit 66. The first couple of boxes were of reconstructed bowls, which were pretty cool. The last box I left off on was a box entirely of shell fragments. Shells were used profusely among the Native Americans of Northeast Florida as a marine resource for food, tools, and adornment. Their use of shells is evident in the large shell middens they have left behind for archaeologists to find (and then for museum interns to inventory 10 years later). Although most of the fragments are indiscernible, I tried to identify at least the species of shell or what basic type/shape it was.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Today, I came in ready to finish my box of shell fragments, but I got an email from Lenny with attachments to more articles written by Keith Ashley. Some of the research and information needed for my exhibit research is so new that it is not yet widely available on the internet, so I requested some articles from Dr. Ashley's Curriculum Vitae that I thought would be helpful. He responded to Lenny this morning with four attached articles, adding that he would send more soon. So, naturally, with my time at MOSH dwindling, I got straight to researching. I have much more to get through, and I would like to have it finished and organized by the time I have to leave the museum.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Today, I continued to research. I have to admit, I am probably being too thorough, but since the exact direction of each site in the exhibit has not been determined, I find any relevant information too important to miss. I'm sure only a fraction of all the information I am recording will end up in the exhibit, but since I'm not positive which information, I take ample notes. I still feel like I have so much to do before my time here ends. I do feel the research aspect coming to a close since I have done so much, but I feel I have barely made a dent in inventory. Although, inventory is never finished, so people must always feel this way. I cannot believe that next week is my last week at MOSH. I do not want it to end and I now know why so many interns who live in Jacksonville stay on as Collections volunteers after their official internships are over.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Week 8
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Today, I finished inventorying the last box of Bunnie Hall's archaeological collection that I will archive while I am here at MOSH! (At least, I think and hope.) After I printed out my twenty four page inventory sheet of two hundred three artifacts, I went to the Curator's computer to input and save the data from last week's temperature and humidity collection. This month, I did it entirely on my own (cannot remember if I mentioned that a former intern/now volunteer assisted me last month). I followed along with my instruction sheet from the Collection Resource Binder, and it was not difficult. It makes sense to keep track of all the data in a spreadsheet, so it came pretty easily to me. After that data was saved properly, I went back to the Collections Room to finish my research on the Dent Mound article. I finished rather quickly since I was almost done anyways, so I moved on to more articles featuring the Shields Mound, Grant Mound, and the Mill Cove Complex. I am nearly done with that article also. I feel like even though I have read through a lot of material, I will need to dedicate a bit more time to research to properly collect and organize my findings into usable material for the Archaeological exhibit. With only a few weeks left, I feel my time here running short, but my goals not nearly reached. Time to get to work!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Today, I researched all day. I knew I needed to really buckle down and get some serious research done. I went through a few great articles and outlined them. I got some good work done.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Today, I also researched all day. More importantly, I met with Lenny to discuss my research so far and the direction of my future research. I requested some articles from Dr. Ashley's Curriculum Vitae to read through and outline. After our meeting, I took the time to properly organize all the research I have been doing. Lenny requested that I format them a certain way, so I spent some time proofreading and editing, then went back to doing more research! I am truly learning that researching a large project is extremely time consuming. I realized that my research direction was off in the beginning, but I have progressed in accurately and efficiently finding and reading material that I need. I do believe this internship has improved my research skills significantly.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Today, I wrapped up some research from the day before. Then, I helped another volunteer/past intern, Jordan, research some old ship kerosene lanterns. They did not have any markings from the manufacturer, which is unusual. It was fun to research something other than projectile points, stone tools, or pottery! Then, we assisted in handling objects in a case in an exhibit. Electrical work needed to be done behind the case, but someone from Collections always needs to handle the objects. It was cool to do something else and learn how to handle the casing. I was really interested to learn that museum casings have screws with irregular shapes on the heads, so a normal screwdriver cannot unscrew them. This way, any shady museum-goer cannot try to unscrew a case. After that was finished, I went back to the Collections Room. I am finally moving on to inventorying the Dent Mound collection, which will be showcased in the exhibit I have been researching. I began my first box and read up on the different kinds of tempered pottery before leaving.
Today, I finished inventorying the last box of Bunnie Hall's archaeological collection that I will archive while I am here at MOSH! (At least, I think and hope.) After I printed out my twenty four page inventory sheet of two hundred three artifacts, I went to the Curator's computer to input and save the data from last week's temperature and humidity collection. This month, I did it entirely on my own (cannot remember if I mentioned that a former intern/now volunteer assisted me last month). I followed along with my instruction sheet from the Collection Resource Binder, and it was not difficult. It makes sense to keep track of all the data in a spreadsheet, so it came pretty easily to me. After that data was saved properly, I went back to the Collections Room to finish my research on the Dent Mound article. I finished rather quickly since I was almost done anyways, so I moved on to more articles featuring the Shields Mound, Grant Mound, and the Mill Cove Complex. I am nearly done with that article also. I feel like even though I have read through a lot of material, I will need to dedicate a bit more time to research to properly collect and organize my findings into usable material for the Archaeological exhibit. With only a few weeks left, I feel my time here running short, but my goals not nearly reached. Time to get to work!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Today, I researched all day. I knew I needed to really buckle down and get some serious research done. I went through a few great articles and outlined them. I got some good work done.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Today, I also researched all day. More importantly, I met with Lenny to discuss my research so far and the direction of my future research. I requested some articles from Dr. Ashley's Curriculum Vitae to read through and outline. After our meeting, I took the time to properly organize all the research I have been doing. Lenny requested that I format them a certain way, so I spent some time proofreading and editing, then went back to doing more research! I am truly learning that researching a large project is extremely time consuming. I realized that my research direction was off in the beginning, but I have progressed in accurately and efficiently finding and reading material that I need. I do believe this internship has improved my research skills significantly.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Today, I wrapped up some research from the day before. Then, I helped another volunteer/past intern, Jordan, research some old ship kerosene lanterns. They did not have any markings from the manufacturer, which is unusual. It was fun to research something other than projectile points, stone tools, or pottery! Then, we assisted in handling objects in a case in an exhibit. Electrical work needed to be done behind the case, but someone from Collections always needs to handle the objects. It was cool to do something else and learn how to handle the casing. I was really interested to learn that museum casings have screws with irregular shapes on the heads, so a normal screwdriver cannot unscrew them. This way, any shady museum-goer cannot try to unscrew a case. After that was finished, I went back to the Collections Room. I am finally moving on to inventorying the Dent Mound collection, which will be showcased in the exhibit I have been researching. I began my first box and read up on the different kinds of tempered pottery before leaving.
Week 7
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Today was my only day working here at MOSH this week because I am going to visit family for Independence Day weekend. Anyways, today I did not get as far as I had hoped. There were many more projectile points crammed into the last row of my box than I had realized last week. But that's okay. I am just glad to be near the end of this box, and to be moving onto another archaeological subject soon. Although, I am sure there will be many projectile points and pot shards in the boxes I move on to. Today, I also took the temperature and humidity readings for the museum. I didn't get the time to input the data in the computer (it has to be done on the Curator's computer), but I downloaded all the data today. It is usually done the first Monday of every month, but since I wasn't here yesterday, I did it today. The monitors record the temperature and humidity level every 2 minutes throughout the month, and then it is recorded and loaded onto the computer.
Today was my only day working here at MOSH this week because I am going to visit family for Independence Day weekend. Anyways, today I did not get as far as I had hoped. There were many more projectile points crammed into the last row of my box than I had realized last week. But that's okay. I am just glad to be near the end of this box, and to be moving onto another archaeological subject soon. Although, I am sure there will be many projectile points and pot shards in the boxes I move on to. Today, I also took the temperature and humidity readings for the museum. I didn't get the time to input the data in the computer (it has to be done on the Curator's computer), but I downloaded all the data today. It is usually done the first Monday of every month, but since I wasn't here yesterday, I did it today. The monitors record the temperature and humidity level every 2 minutes throughout the month, and then it is recorded and loaded onto the computer.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Week 6
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Today, I organized all the research I have done so far for the exhibit. I have been collecting notes from articles and books in a notebook and on the computer. So, I took some time to organize it all in a file on MOSH's Curatorial drive. Now, when I have a completed document, it is saved in a spot where Lenny can access it whenever she needs it. After organizing, I continued to research. Today, I researched Dent Mound, whose artifacts are in the museum's collection. Actually, once I finish the box I am currently working on, I will be changing units so that way I can inventory the Dent Mound artifacts. This way, they will be properly inventoried before selected for the exhibit.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Today, I continued research on Dent Mound. Dr. Ashley did a reanalysis of the artifacts in the 1990's, and wrote a great in-depth article about the past excavation and the current implications for the site. I nearly finished going through the article today. Since I hand write my notes (if I typed them, I would type EVERYTHING), it takes me a bit of time to thoroughly go through a long article. Anyways, I hope to finish that research next week.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Today I went back to inventory. I have one more box of Bunnie Hall's projectile points and stone tools before I can change gears and move to the Dent Mound collection of artifacts. However, this is a box of many, many, lithic pieces. I did not get to finish it today, but it won't take me too much longer to finish. Which means next week I can continue my research of Dent Mound and then actually go through the artifacts from the site.
Today, I organized all the research I have done so far for the exhibit. I have been collecting notes from articles and books in a notebook and on the computer. So, I took some time to organize it all in a file on MOSH's Curatorial drive. Now, when I have a completed document, it is saved in a spot where Lenny can access it whenever she needs it. After organizing, I continued to research. Today, I researched Dent Mound, whose artifacts are in the museum's collection. Actually, once I finish the box I am currently working on, I will be changing units so that way I can inventory the Dent Mound artifacts. This way, they will be properly inventoried before selected for the exhibit.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Today, I continued research on Dent Mound. Dr. Ashley did a reanalysis of the artifacts in the 1990's, and wrote a great in-depth article about the past excavation and the current implications for the site. I nearly finished going through the article today. Since I hand write my notes (if I typed them, I would type EVERYTHING), it takes me a bit of time to thoroughly go through a long article. Anyways, I hope to finish that research next week.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Today I went back to inventory. I have one more box of Bunnie Hall's projectile points and stone tools before I can change gears and move to the Dent Mound collection of artifacts. However, this is a box of many, many, lithic pieces. I did not get to finish it today, but it won't take me too much longer to finish. Which means next week I can continue my research of Dent Mound and then actually go through the artifacts from the site.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Week 5
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Today I catalogued projectile points. I have learned how to make labels using acrylic (so that the labels can be removed if needed). I was on a roll; I inventoried a whole bunch of them. Just as I was losing momentum, Lenny (the curator), asked me to do some research for my exhibit. I welcomed the change of pace. I looked up local news articles that spoke of Dr. Keith Ashley (with whom MOSH is partnering with for the upcoming archaeology exhibit). Dr. Ashley is an archaeologist with the University of North Florida, and specializes in North Floridian prehistory. The Florida Times Union has written quite a few pieces that feature him. I am not quite sure how these articles may be worked into the exhibit, but it was interesting to do some research from the news/media perspective rather than just scholarly research.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Today I catalogued more Bunnie Hall, which consisted of projectile points, stone tools, some pots and other small artifacts. The interesting thing I wanted to mention about today, though, is the stone tools. When I looked up a few of these objects in Past Perfect, they were described as nothing but "stone, worked". These objects did not appear special. I noticed, though, that they are not simply discarded pieces of worked rock, but rather useful handheld tools. If you hold them logically and just right, they were made to be held and worked by a right hand. I know I am an archaeology nerd, but this is the kind of stuff. Who knows the last time somebody held that piece of rock correctly? Since Hall was no educated or seasoned archaeologist, he may not have realized their true purpose, only noticed that they were indeed worked by human hands.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Today, I catalogued more stone tools and projectile points. I worked through a few boxes and actually finished my first Unit (an entire shelving unit). I realized that I am becoming quite efficient using Past Perfect, since I was working pretty quickly through my objects. I have also become proficient at describing projectile points using the proper vernacular. It seems useless to most people, but in the world of archaeology, it's pretty helpful to know the vocabulary surrounding stone tools.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Today was all about researching my exhibit again. I researched the Spanish mission site of Sarabay, located on Big Talbot Island, Dent Mound, Shields Mound, and a few other places. I found some great articles by Keith Ashley, the archaeologist partnering with MOSH for the exhibit, so I have a lot of reading to do as I continue my research. I also talked with Lenny (the curator) for a while about the direction and format of my research. As time progresses, it is interesting to research her new ideas for the exhibit. I can't wait until the exhibit is done and I can come back and see what parts of the exhibit I influenced! I really enjoy working with Lenny (not to be a teacher's pet). She is always upbeat, and when we get talking about archaeology and the exhibit, we always end up going on tangents about anything museum/archaeology related. Today she showed me some plans for a future exhibit. I don't think I can share what it is exactly, but it has to do with pirates and ships, so it is unbelievably cool! Finally, I had my midterm evaluation today with Lenny. Overall, I am doing very well here at MOSH so far, and I am really enjoying getting to know the museum ins and outs. I think I am forever sold on Public Archaeology. Even if I end up working in academia, I will always have a passion for sharing my passion with others.
Today I catalogued projectile points. I have learned how to make labels using acrylic (so that the labels can be removed if needed). I was on a roll; I inventoried a whole bunch of them. Just as I was losing momentum, Lenny (the curator), asked me to do some research for my exhibit. I welcomed the change of pace. I looked up local news articles that spoke of Dr. Keith Ashley (with whom MOSH is partnering with for the upcoming archaeology exhibit). Dr. Ashley is an archaeologist with the University of North Florida, and specializes in North Floridian prehistory. The Florida Times Union has written quite a few pieces that feature him. I am not quite sure how these articles may be worked into the exhibit, but it was interesting to do some research from the news/media perspective rather than just scholarly research.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Today I catalogued more Bunnie Hall, which consisted of projectile points, stone tools, some pots and other small artifacts. The interesting thing I wanted to mention about today, though, is the stone tools. When I looked up a few of these objects in Past Perfect, they were described as nothing but "stone, worked". These objects did not appear special. I noticed, though, that they are not simply discarded pieces of worked rock, but rather useful handheld tools. If you hold them logically and just right, they were made to be held and worked by a right hand. I know I am an archaeology nerd, but this is the kind of stuff. Who knows the last time somebody held that piece of rock correctly? Since Hall was no educated or seasoned archaeologist, he may not have realized their true purpose, only noticed that they were indeed worked by human hands.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Today, I catalogued more stone tools and projectile points. I worked through a few boxes and actually finished my first Unit (an entire shelving unit). I realized that I am becoming quite efficient using Past Perfect, since I was working pretty quickly through my objects. I have also become proficient at describing projectile points using the proper vernacular. It seems useless to most people, but in the world of archaeology, it's pretty helpful to know the vocabulary surrounding stone tools.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Today was all about researching my exhibit again. I researched the Spanish mission site of Sarabay, located on Big Talbot Island, Dent Mound, Shields Mound, and a few other places. I found some great articles by Keith Ashley, the archaeologist partnering with MOSH for the exhibit, so I have a lot of reading to do as I continue my research. I also talked with Lenny (the curator) for a while about the direction and format of my research. As time progresses, it is interesting to research her new ideas for the exhibit. I can't wait until the exhibit is done and I can come back and see what parts of the exhibit I influenced! I really enjoy working with Lenny (not to be a teacher's pet). She is always upbeat, and when we get talking about archaeology and the exhibit, we always end up going on tangents about anything museum/archaeology related. Today she showed me some plans for a future exhibit. I don't think I can share what it is exactly, but it has to do with pirates and ships, so it is unbelievably cool! Finally, I had my midterm evaluation today with Lenny. Overall, I am doing very well here at MOSH so far, and I am really enjoying getting to know the museum ins and outs. I think I am forever sold on Public Archaeology. Even if I end up working in academia, I will always have a passion for sharing my passion with others.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Week 4
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Today I finished the box! WHen I printed the inventory sheet, it was 20 pages long. Then, I went on to inventory a few new boxes. Luckily, the next two were not Bunnie Hall's finds. Rather, they were artifacts from Mesoamerica- 2 Guatemala Maya tripod plates, a Chancay urn, and a Chancay figurine. They were very interesting, but they had also already been recently inventoried and researched. So, they didn't take up too much time. My next box was back to Bunnie Hall's projectile points, and my first Object I.D. was a bag of over 140 pieces of worked stone and points. I catalogues 52 of them before I went home.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Today I did research for the upcoming archaeological exhibit. I took a break from the pre-contact and researched a Spanish mission site, San Juan del Puerto. I found some great articles and information about the site and its history. I took about six pages of notes because I found such great information. Hopefully at least some will reach every exhibit-goer next fall!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Today I went back to inventory. I continued with my projectile points and got a lot done. I learned to make labels on the points with acrylic and acid free markers. Also, I am becoming very adept at describing projectile points and their parts. I know this is not a very aplicable skill, but at least it is one more skillset added to my museum and archaeology knowledge. I finished the Object I.D. with about 140 pieces, and went on to do a few other I.D.'s as well. Very productive day.
Friday, June 14, 2013
I worked today to make up for one of my missed days last week (I will be working next Friday as well). Today, I went back to researching, but I didn't do the usual researching of the sites. I was thinking about the exhibit, and realized that the average person going through the exhibit will not naturally understand all the terms or basics of archaeology. With this, I made notes about the very basics about archaeology and its procedures, tools, and ethics. Even though these terms come so naturally now, I cannot assume that every person will. The exhibit, after all, is about archaeology of the local area, so with that, you have to educate what archaeology is. Plus, since Northeast Floridian archaeology is not my particular interest, just sharing with people my passion for archaeology makes me excited for this exhibit. I love to talk to people about it, but usually their eyes just glaze over. With Public Archaeology, people can learn about what it is that I do and love. Like I've said in weeks prior, maybe less people will ask why I like dinosaurs so much (for the record, that's Paleontology!).
Today I finished the box! WHen I printed the inventory sheet, it was 20 pages long. Then, I went on to inventory a few new boxes. Luckily, the next two were not Bunnie Hall's finds. Rather, they were artifacts from Mesoamerica- 2 Guatemala Maya tripod plates, a Chancay urn, and a Chancay figurine. They were very interesting, but they had also already been recently inventoried and researched. So, they didn't take up too much time. My next box was back to Bunnie Hall's projectile points, and my first Object I.D. was a bag of over 140 pieces of worked stone and points. I catalogues 52 of them before I went home.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Today I did research for the upcoming archaeological exhibit. I took a break from the pre-contact and researched a Spanish mission site, San Juan del Puerto. I found some great articles and information about the site and its history. I took about six pages of notes because I found such great information. Hopefully at least some will reach every exhibit-goer next fall!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Today I went back to inventory. I continued with my projectile points and got a lot done. I learned to make labels on the points with acrylic and acid free markers. Also, I am becoming very adept at describing projectile points and their parts. I know this is not a very aplicable skill, but at least it is one more skillset added to my museum and archaeology knowledge. I finished the Object I.D. with about 140 pieces, and went on to do a few other I.D.'s as well. Very productive day.
Friday, June 14, 2013
I worked today to make up for one of my missed days last week (I will be working next Friday as well). Today, I went back to researching, but I didn't do the usual researching of the sites. I was thinking about the exhibit, and realized that the average person going through the exhibit will not naturally understand all the terms or basics of archaeology. With this, I made notes about the very basics about archaeology and its procedures, tools, and ethics. Even though these terms come so naturally now, I cannot assume that every person will. The exhibit, after all, is about archaeology of the local area, so with that, you have to educate what archaeology is. Plus, since Northeast Floridian archaeology is not my particular interest, just sharing with people my passion for archaeology makes me excited for this exhibit. I love to talk to people about it, but usually their eyes just glaze over. With Public Archaeology, people can learn about what it is that I do and love. Like I've said in weeks prior, maybe less people will ask why I like dinosaurs so much (for the record, that's Paleontology!).
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