Paper Summary:

This paper examines current issues in archaeology, most specifically the problems in American curation. The author describes the emphasis archaeology places on excavation, yet cites the lack of resources allocated for maintaining artifacts. The author further highlights the problems with storage facilities, conservation of artifacts, and making finds available to the public. The paper concludes stating that the curation crisis is the product of poor planning, idealization of field work versus curation work, and a zealous but misguided approach to archeology as a whole

From the Paper:

"Entire collections of artifacts across the country are simply vanishing or being hidden away so deeply that they are forgotten about completely, not to mention being stored in substandard conditions that do not preserve them for posterity. Items such as soil samples and bits of charcoal offer a wealth of information, however because they do not have any commercial value on the antiquities market, they are treated as if they are in fact worthless. Unfortunately, archaeological sites are becoming more rare, and as the availability of new artifacts lessens, it becomes even more important to care for the artifacts that have already been unearthed and continue having them available for further research. ("A Curation Crisis") The San Diego Archeological Center defines curation as the care, management, and use of archeological collections. "Care means that you prevent deterioration, management means that collections are organized and accessible, and use means that you use collections for scientific research, public education or cultural use." (San Diego) Curation is a matter of respect for the cultures from which collections have been obtained, as well as respect for the educational value of these artifacts for today and tomorrow, not to mention respect for the amount of work and money that has been invested in these collections. However, this respect is not currently an inherent part of the archaeological or curation process, and while steps are being taken towards improving the current conditions, a new approach must be taken in order to prevent further deterioration of collections and eventually fix the problem."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "A Curation Crisis." Excerpts from American Archaeology. Winter 2001-2002. Colorado Archaeology Website. http://www.coloradoarchaeology.org/curation_crisis_in_archaeology.htm
• Arendsee, M. Inspriation for proposed solution taken from personal email correspondances. March-April, 2006. M. Arendsee can be contacted at mja05e@garnet.acns.fsu.edu.
• Childs, S. Terry. "The Curation Crisis." NPS Archeology Program: Common Ground Online. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior. Winter/Spring 1995, vol. 7(4). http://www.cr.nps.gov/archeology/cg/fd_vol7_num4/crisis.htm
• San Diego Archaeological Center. Official Website. March 2006. http://www.sandiegoarchaeology.org
• Stankowski, Cindy. "The Curatin Crisis: Can We Afford the Future?" Minerva Online. Spring/Summer 1998, Volume I (1). http://www.sfsu.edu/~museumst/minerva/stankow.html

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