Winter Update

We are nearly done with cleaning the artifacts from the 2012 excavations! With the help of amazing volunteers, all the materials recovered from the test units have been washed. So far over 5,700 artifacts have been cleaned; however, we are still in the process of washing the artifacts recovered from the features. The next steps include labeling all of the artifacts and completing the artifact catalog.

Myself and a couple of volunteers attended to the Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey (ASNJ) last weekend. It was a nice afternoon with a great talks and presentations by archaeologists. More information about the ASNJ can be found on their website.

ASNJ meeting at the New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, NJ

Temple News Story!

Temple News posted the story and video about Elfreth's Alley Archaeology today!  Thanks to Temple University Communications; it was great working with everyone and the video turned out great.  Check it out here.

Elfreth's Alley Archaeology Presentation

If you want to learn more about Elfreth's Alley Archaeology, I will be giving a talk about recent excavations on January 19th at the Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey (ASNJ) in Trenton, NJ.  Although Elfreth's Alley is not located in New Jersey, Alley residents often had close connections to the Garden State and benefited from trade and commerce with their neighbor.  During past excavation, we have recovered bottles manufactured in Camden, as well as ceramics potentially produced in Trenton potteries.  The talk is titled Alley Life and the Immigrant Experience: The Urban Archaeology of Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia and will focus on how archaeology can help tell the story of the lived experience of urban populations.  The presentation is at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ.  There are several other great talks to check out that day as well.  More details about the meeting and presentations are available on the ASNJ website.  Hope to see you there!

Archives & Artifacts

One of the perks of doing research in (and about) Philadelphia is the amazing archives throughout the city.  This past week, I visited the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, as well as the Library and Archives at the National Park Service's Independence National Historic Park.  Both had great information about urban archaeology completed in Old City, along with a bit of information specifically about the Alley.  The buildings that house these two archives are beautiful historic structures in their own right.

Interior & Exterior of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

Merchants' Exchange Building, Library & Archives, NPS Independence National Historic Park

We have been continuing to wash artifacts throughout the Holiday season.  This Friday (12/21) will be our last day of artifact processing before the new year.  Below is a picture of the volunteers hard at work!  We also had a visit from Temple’s Office of University Communications.  They are putting together a video highlighting the archaeology the Alley.  Stay tuned for the video!

Volunteers dry brushing and wet washing artifacts

A Holiday Celebration on the Alley

We had a great time at Deck the Alley yesterday evening! During the event hundreds of visitors came to the Alley to revel in the splendor of the historic homes and partake in some holiday cheer. Guests also had the opportunity to view a few of the newly cleaned artifacts recovered from the excavations this past summer. Artifacts we had on display included a gilt and polychrome transfer printed teacup, a fragment of a brass drawing compass, lice combs, and a glass ink bottle. Despite the chilly weather, we had a blast talking to visitors about the excavations and showcasing the artifacts!

Speaking to Visitors about the Artifacts

Me & the Display.  Note the fancy use of the iPad.

In addition to the archaeology display, the evening included music from carolers and readings of  holiday classics such as Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Christmas Carolers

Storytelling

Deck the Alley was the perfect way to kick off the Holiday Season!

Deck the Alley!

This coming Saturday, December 1st from 4-7pm the Elfreth’s Alley Association is hosting Deck the Alley.  This event is their annual holiday open house and offers guests the opportunity to walk through the interiors of several of the residential houses on the street.  The Philly Blog Uwishunu has a great description of the event.  Archaeologists will be at the event to discuss the excavations and display some of the artifacts recovered this past summer.  You can purchase tickets online here.  Hope to see you there!

Fall Update

It has been a busy and productive fall! Throughout the season, we have been diligently working on processing the artifacts. Thanks to a fantastic group of trusty volunteers, about a third of the artifacts recovered from excavation this past summer have been washed. If you’re interested in volunteering, check out the Volunteers Opportunity section.

Tin Glazed Ceramic Sherd

 More information about Tin Glazed Ceramics can be found here.