Surveying is an extremely important step in archaeological work. In fact, many archaeological permits are only for survey work, a practice that preserves materials underground while still allowing insight into materials found in the area. Surveying gives archaeologists a glimpse of the materials at a site without the destruction associated with excavation. It is also cheaper than excavation, can cover more area, and still gives a representative sample of materials buried beneath the ground. Generally all deposit layers at a site have materials on visible on the surface due to soil movement (by animal activity and/or erosion) which constantly unearths artifacts from deeper, older layers, and deposits them on the surface.
The Archaeology Methods class preformed two surveys over the course of the term: A Field Survey and the Women’s League Cabin Survey. For specifics concerning methodology and findings for each survey, visit their individuals pages by either clicking the above links or selecting the survey in question from the drop down menu under “Survey.”
For a more complete view on what types of materials were found and their associated history, make sure to stop by the Object Biographies page. Here you’ll find a rich catalogue of the most interesting finds from both class surveys.
Survey Write-Up Team: Chloe Bergstrand, Sage Mitch, Theo Morris
