Eons of the human past are unknown but for the record people left in the ground and across the landscape. Industrial and technological developments of the last two centuries have threatened this record to an unparalleled degree. Even the process of doing archaeology takes its toll on the very resources from which we seek to learn about the past.
Modern technological innovations have, however, given us the capability of protecting these finite materials and places in ways that once were unimaginable. The Archaeology & Collections Program seeks to foster and develop technological innovations and applications that enhance the preservation of archaeological sites, landscapes, materials, and collections.
Training
Transferring research on preservation technologies to the professional public is one of the NCPTT’s principal missions. “Prospection in Depth” first debuted in 2006, and is scheduled each summer.