Collections Storage
After the artifacts have been excavated, stabilized/conserved, documented, catalogued and numbered they are stored in the collections storage room. This is the "above ground" resting place for the objects. Here, environmental conditions are monitored, as well as artifact condition, to ensure that our heritage will survive for future generations. Not only does the collections storage area provide a safe place for the artifacts, it serves the researcher and curator who come here to examine the objects for purposes of research and display.
Artifacts in the storage area must be sorted by area of excavation and material type. For example, iron, copper, ceramic and textile for the Ferryland forge would be stored in one cabinet with each different material type being separated. The separation of artifacts by material is done both for purposes of preservation and research. For example, ceramic sherds could damage fragile textile fragments if in close proximity.
