A Message from the President
Page 3
3D Photogrammetry Modelling
Page 4
From the Outside
Page 5
Studying Abroad
Page 6
My Industry Practicum
Page 7
Surf and Turf: ASHA/AIMA
Page 7
AURA Inter-congress Symposium
Page 8
WAC-7
Page 9
Movember
Page 10
ArchSoc Heritage Project Mt Ephraim Cemetery
Page 11
Survey Hill
Page 12
Research, Volunteering, and Cake
Page 13
Thesis Abstracts Information for the Future
Page 14
Life Membership Heather Burke
Page 15
Bob Stone
Page 15
National News
Page 16
Upcoming Events
Page 17
About DigIt!
Page 17
Background photographs: Cover: Excavating at Mallala. Photograph by Antoinette Hennessy 2012 Contents: Shovel at Mallala excavation. Photograph by Antoinette Hennessy 2012 Banners: Graffiti Plympton Railway Station Jordan Ralph and Prospect Hill Andrew Wilkinson Back Cover: Glass stopper at Mallala. Photograph by Antoinette Hennessy 2012 2
What a year! I want to begin this address by giving
members of the public attended the Plympton Railway
thanks to the entire 2012 ArchSoc committee and our
Station event and over 70 attended MTAN. We re-
members. This year has been the most productive in
ceived very positive reviews from the public for these
recent times in terms of membership rates, finances,
events, particularly MTAN. Thank you to James Hunter,
social and professional development events and nation-
Heather Burke, Alice Gorman and Claire Smith for
al and international exposure. Our aim this year was to
agreeing to present at this event, it would not have
raise the profile of the Society and our members. I be-
been as successful without your participation.
lieve we achieved this very successfully and for this we
During 2012, ArchSoc has increased its involvement
have to thank the unwavering commitment of each
with other archaeological associations. The Editors of
member of the Executive and General Committee as
Australian Archaeology, the AAA journal, asked
well as those members that volunteered where they
ArchSoc to help with the journal mail-out twice a year,
could.
for which ArchSoc receives $250 per mail-out. In Au-
This year, ArchSoc has had a bit of a makeover; we
gust, some of our members assisted WAC President,
have been known in the past as the Flinders University
Claire Smith with the mail-out of posters for the upcom-
Archaeology Society. Our new name is the Flinders Ar-
ing WAC-7 Congress on the Dead Sea, Jordan, in Jan-
chaeological Society. We dropped the ‘University’ be-
uary. The volunteers received a generous subsidy to-
cause it was superfluous and cumbersome to our logo.
wards conference registration, accommodation and
The
to
flights in order to break the financial barriers that stop
‘archaeological’ (adjective) was to be consistent with
our members being able to attend the international
organisations such as the World Archaeological Con-
conference. Over ten of our members will be attending
gress (WAC) and the Australian Archaeological Associ-
the conference in January 2013. Flinders played host
ation (AAA). We still call ourselves ArchSoc in any case.
to the Australian Rock Art Research Association’s
We also have a new logo, courtesy of our Public Rela-
(AURA’s) Inter-Congress Symposium in September.
tions Officer, Antoinette Hennessy.
ArchSoc organised the catering for the two-day sympo-
change
from
‘archaeology’
(noun)
sium to great success. This provided us with further
ArchSoc has also increased its involvement within the
exposure, as we were integral to the success of the
Department of Archaeology at Flinders by organising
event. AURA donated $500 to ArchSoc for our efforts.
the catering for the weekly seminar series and public
A huge thank you to AAA, AURA and WAC for their
lectures. We also played a proactive role in University
support.
Open Days. Earlier in the year, ArchSoc hosted two events that coincided with National Archaeology Week
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as President this
and About Time: South Australia’s History Festival. Our
year and I hope that the success we have experienced
‘Plympton Railway Station Community Archaeology
this year will continue for years to come. I wish my suc-
Day’ and ‘Meet the Archaeologists! Night’ (MTAN) were
cessor and the 2013 committee luck, although I am
designed to present archaeological theory and method
sure they don’t need it.
to the wider South Australian public. Around twenty
3
Jordan Ralph
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have long held while conducting field work at the Port Arthur shown their value to archaeological research and historical site in April this year, and again by the diinterpretation, and photogrammetry modelling takes rector of the Carsulae Roman Bath Project in Italy a process developed in the Second World War into where I have excavated over the last two years. the GIS arena. For the last few years now I have The ability to create a navigable model of a site or been dabbling in recording archaeological sites us- structures over time and consecutive excavation ing 3D photogrammetry modelling and related soft- seasons adds value to a site monitoring system. ware packages. While this is not an entirely new
Digital modelling enables researchers to access
idea, it is quickly becoming a useful tool in the ar-
another analytical tool. While the ‘real thing’ is no
chaeologist’s site and artefact recording arsenal. A
substitute, and the value of the model must be com-
quick internet search will return numerous papers
plemented with documentation and other research
and examples of this subject. This year I have man-
materials, the ability to make a model scalable,
aged to test various software packages to varying
measurable, and modular provides a level of usea-
degrees of success at a number of sites both nation-
bility to the investigator. In one example the ship
ally and internationally.
lines of a wooden model were produced using Pho-
At the beginning of the year I recorded the bow and toModeler™ software used in conjunction with the cathead of SS Speke as separate three dimensional Delft Ship™ CAD program. This application demonmodels. SS Speke was wrecked in 1906 and parts strated the ability to record the ships’ hull details of the steel structure remain exposed to the rough and from there extract plausible hull displacement coastal environment of Phillip Island, Victoria. One information in addition to the visual representation. of the benefits that are acknowledged in a model While on a field project in Pompeii this year I was that can be rotated about three axes is the ability to able to create some rudimentary models to demonmonitor site deterioration from any number of posi- strate spatial relationships surrounding grain grindtions. This was a sentiment reflected in discussions ing processes in Pompeian bakeries.
Figure 2. Screen shot of grinding mills at Bakery RVI.I5.15 in Pompeii during the Pompeii Food and Drink Project season 2012. Photos: by Andrew Wilkinson and modelled using Autodesk’s 123D Catch™ beta software.
Figure 1. Screen shot of SS Speke cathead modelled from a series of images taken during the Flinders University 2012 Maritime Field School. Photos: Andrew Wilkinson and modelled using Autodesk’s 123D Catch™ beta software.
4
Throughout the project, time and access to sites in the aims of the project. Some earlier examples of were limited so recording had to be done in an ex- my own work can be found on my YouTube™ pedient manner. The results have provided me with channel – griffonaus. Information on field schools a suitable record that supplements my own notes conducted by Flinders University can be found at: and other information collected while on site that I
http://www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/archaeology/
can refer to from the other side of the world.
fieldwork/fieldwork_home.cfm.
Photogrammetry modelling is not a means to an Information on the Italian projects attended can be end in itself; however, supplemented with additional found at: data from traditional measuring techniques to more Carsulae: http://ww2.valdosta.edu/~jwhitehe/ sophisticated spatial recording systems, such as Carsulaeweb/Carsulae_home.htm those achievable with LIDAR, the potential to ex- Pompeii Food and Drink Project: tract appropriate data is improved. Additional func- http://pompeii-food-and-drink.org/. tionality to three dimensional models can be Andrew Wilkinson achieved with the integration into 3D computer Undergraduate archaeology student, gaming engines, and interpretive digital animation, Flinders University and GIS packages. These ideas open accessibility to remote sites; provide additional interpretive designs for museum exhibits; add to an explanation in documentaries; and bring a new resource to the
Having completed my undergraduate degree at
educational environment. This last point is some-
Flinders University in Education and History in
thing to consider for students and educators where
2008, I thought my formal education was finished.
access to resources can only be achieved through
However, this year I found myself returning to study
a medium such as the Internet. As technology im-
at Flinders, back in the comfort of learning, books
proves and software and hardware costs decrease,
and investigating the past; this time, studying ar-
the ability to deploy recording systems to sites un-
chaeology.
der threat becomes a cost effective solution ensuring something remains of heritage sites. To under-
I was warm and safe; enveloped in fascinating arti-
stand the concerns UNESCO has on heritage sites
cles about historical places, people, events and the
under threat go to: http://whc.unesco.org/en/158/).
evidence left behind. Though soon I found myself
Additionally, communities can contribute and add
somewhere else; a cold place, but also sometimes
cultural elements to virtual worlds.
hot; an unfamiliar and strange place; sometimes even‌ wet. I was outside the walls of a classroom;
As I head towards graduate studies in future years I
on an excavation.
hope to pursue the potential of photogrammetry modelling and related systems in recording archae-
In August I was fortunate enough to participate in a
ological sites. Improvements in software and digital
training dig in England. Before I left I was exhilarat-
photography are bringing the capability ever closer
ed at the thought of what it would be like. For two
to the archaeologist with reasonable results achiev-
weeks I would be digging, recording, interpreting,
able following minimal instruction or practice. The
cleaning, sorting, and bagging. I had always wanted
level of expertise will ultimately need to be reflected
this experience. However; I will admit, the thought was also overwhelming. 5
Two weeks in the field, when I barely knew anything am also doing a subject called Archaeology of Preabout excavation, how would I know what to do? history, which looks at the Neanderthals to monuWhat if I did something wrong? What if I didn’t like ments and burial in Britain. The key difference is it? I felt like such an outsider, looking in at the world that we are looking at Britain in many of these topI wanted to be a part of, but not knowing where to ics, which broaden to Europe as well. I see a simifind the door. Nevertheless I packed my trowel and larity here also though, as we each tend to focus was on my way; there before I knew it.
on the history of our country, so I am finding it fas-
Then, the learner in me took over. For two weeks I cinating to be learning about British history. breathed the dig; nothing else existed. Emails and
The other difference is that first year students here
messages from home went unanswered, nights
have compulsory fieldwork at the end of their first
were spent discussing finds and jokes were made
year, which introduces them to excavation, sur-
about having to drag me off site come the end of my
veying and many more archaeological techniques.
trip. I had never felt such a sense of belonging.
I find it sad that this is not seen in archaeology
Four days after landing back home I was back out in
back home, but I find that the best thing about
the field; this time on a Flinders University field
Flinders is that, it is self directed in the way that if
school to Redbanks, Mallala. No longer standing on
you want to do well, you will go out and gain expe-
the outside looking in, but standing on the inside,
rience for yourself and challenge yourself to be-
looking down.
come a better archaeologist.
Jessica Lumb
It has been one of the best experiences to come
Postgraduate archaeology student,
overseas and learn about a new culture and histo-
Flinders University
ry, as well as making so many new friends. I have made many contacts in archaeology and continue to meet new people in the field. The history here is so vast and archaeology is everywhere. I love how the country embraces archaeology here and is so welcoming to it. As well as the study side, personally this experience has made me more confident
For semester two of 2012, I decided to study in the
in myself and self-sufficient. I was nervous to leave
United Kingdom at the University of Leicester for a
my home for six months and travel by myself, but I
new experience and for the potential to travel. I am
have now found that I am capable of doing so,
currently half way through my semester at Leices-
which is brilliant if I ever want to travel or work
ter and I have learned so many new things, made
overseas again.
lots of new friends and been able to travel the UK
I still have four months away from home and still
and parts of Europe. I have found that studying
have so many adventures and things to learn. I seri-
archaeology in the UK has its similarities to back in
ously encourage anyone who is thinking of studying
Adelaide, but there are many differences. For one,
abroad to do it, as it is so worthwhile and affects
the subject choices are very different. I am current-
your whole life in the best way possible.
ly learning about the Iron Age and Roman archae-
Holly Winter
ology in Britain and Europe, which is fascinating,
Undergraduate archaeology student,
as it is so different to what we learn back home. I
Flinders University
6
As an elective in my Graduate Diploma in Cultural
This year's AIMA (Australasian Institute for Mari-
Heritage Management, I chose an industry practi-
time Archaeology) conference was joined with the
cum. I was placed with Australian Cultural Heritage
annual ASHA (Australian Society for Historical Ar-
Management Pty Ltd (ACHM). As everyone knows
chaeology) conference; an event that occurs every
this company as a major leader in heritage man-
four years. With the theme of 'Surf and Turf' the
agement I was very excited. My supervisor at
presentations were focused around (but not limited
ACHM Dr Alice Gorman, who I’m sure everyone
to) linking both maritime and terrestrial archaeolo-
knows, organised for me to do as many things as
gy, attempting to counter the invisible line that ap-
possible. I learnt a great deal about anthropology,
pears between 'wet' and 'dry'. Keynote speaker Dr.
GIS, identifying artefacts and the before and after
Christer Westerdahl (Norwegian University of Sci-
process of a job. All the staff at ACHM were ex-
ence and Technology) began the conference with
tremely lovely and happy to show to me and ex-
a discussion on maritime heritage landscapes
plain what they were working on. There are many very interesting people who work at ACHM whose stories and experiences are like nothing else. I was lucky enough to be included on a couple of short field trips, which was a fantastic way to witness Indigenous consultation. Unfortunately the majority of work is strictly confidential between ACHM and their clients so I can’t say a great deal. However undergoing a placement at ACHM was an incredibly rewarding experience as well as a lot of fun! I would encourage anyone who is able to, do the practicum. It might not be with ACHM, it could be with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources or one of the other industry partners associated with Flinders. Either way, you will have a ball and come away with numerous new skills and friends. Vanessa Orange Postgraduate CHM student, Flinders University We would like thank ACHM for helping send
Representations of archaeology and archaeologists in comic books. http://superfriendsofdorothy.com/wp-content/
Flinders students to WAC-7.
7
and his current work in Northern Scandinavia. It
reported on the development of a computer game
was a fantastic start to the event, followed by talks
following the last hours of the AE2 submarine's
ranging from cultural landscapes of Australia, crisis
mission (The AE2 was lost in combat in 1915 dur-
and disaster archaeology, Australia's rock art, con-
ing WWII). The game allows the played to steer the
servation, legislation, and numerous project up-
submarine, facing the same obstacles and com-
dates.
plete the same objectives faced historically. Currently in a development stage, the game can be
While impossible to attend every lecture (there
played at <http://ae2.ivec.org/>.
were two theatres running simultaneously, loosely divided between historical and maritime) I was able
There were many more great presentations, not to
to see a wide variety of talks on a number of differ-
mention Flinders University taking to the stage to
ent subjects. Some of my favourites were:
present research based on Phd, Masters, and staff research (myself included). The event was well
"Archaeology in a disaster: The Christchurch Earth-
worth the travel and cost, and there is no price you
quakes and their Aftermath", by Katherine Watson
can place on meeting potential employers and im-
(Underground Overground Archaeology Ltd) which
mersing yourself in what's current within the disci-
looked at the hundreds of buildings needing record-
pline.
ing prior to total or partial demolition in addition to
significant Maori sites affected by the disaster (and Cassandra Morris all done by only a handful of archaeologists).
Master of Maritime Archaeology student, Flinders University
"Archaeology and the Supermen" by Darran Jordan, which explored archaeology's presence and representation in comic books. Not only was the audience in laughter almost the entire way through, but discussion on possible ways to change attitudes in the future provided food for thought. This presentation
can
be
seen
here
http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5LRoUNVLRc&feature=relmfu
The archaeology department at Flinders University
or just search YouTube for the title of the paper.
played host to the Inter-congress Symposium of the
Well worth the 16min, even just for a laugh.
Australian Rock Art Research Association over the weekend of the 22-23 of September. This symposi-
"The singing line on the seabed: the remains of
um saw over 60 papers presented by rock-art spe-
Australia's first submerged telegraph cable to the
cialist archaeologists and rock-art enthusiasts.
world" by David Steinburg (NT Heritage Branch), an interesting presentation on the first telegraph
The symposium was held in the Function Centre on
cable laid between Darwin and East Java in 1871.
the Bedford Park campus and the Flinders Archae-
Stretching over 2000 km of seabed at depths of up
ological Society organised the catering (at very
to 838 meters, the cable is still in situ today and
short notice), but to great success and praise.
was still in use in the mid 1900s.
Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to hear a lot
"New directions in Public Archaeology- Serious
of the papers as most of my time was spent wash-
games" by Dr Martin Masek and Dr Mark Brogan
ing dishes and cooking, cutting and serving food.
(School of Computer and Security Science, ECU)
The papers that I did see were interesting and 8
9
raised several issues about the ethics involved in looking for more bros and sistas to join our team: rock-art research and rock-art interpretation.
The Flinders Archaeological Mo-ciety!
Many researchers believe they automatically have Just go to the URL above and you will be taken to the right to knowledge about secret and/or sacred our team Mo-ciety page where you can donate, join, practices of Indigenous Australians. A common or do both! Feel free to share this link to friends and phrase often uttered: ‘I have permission from the family, or use this page as the source of all links. Library/Archive to use these images’. A question Feel free to get involved whenever you’d like, and remains, who are these unknown administrators and Antoinette will put the link to your page here. why are they permitted to speak on behalf of Indigenous communities? The simple answer is: they have no moral right. Legally speaking, they have a right to grant permission for use of the images in their collections and researchers, and are then permitted to use said images. Ethically and morally speaking, the power to grant rights to knowledge about sensitive cultural material should remain with descendent groups.
Our team mo-mbers so far: Antoinette Hennessy (captain): http://mosista.co/flindersaarchsoc Andrew Wilkinson: http://mobro.co/Griffonaus Jordan Ralph: http://mobro.co/jordanralph Sara Wilkinson: http://au.movember.com/mospace/3806345
Regardless, the AURA Inter-congress Symposium Hailey Wilkinson: was successful and attracted over 80 delegates http://au.movember.com/mospace/3806709 from around Australia. It was unfortunate that the So far, we have raised a whopping $280 in just unFlinders Rock Art Field School clashed with the se- der a week! Thank you to all that have already docond day of this Symposium. Perhaps more stu- nated to this cause. There is still another three dents would have attended, as they did on the first weeks of mo-growing and we would appreciate any day, had this not been the case.
amount you can donate.
Jordan Ralph
Antoinette Hennessy
Honours student,
Postgraduate CHM student,
Flinders University
Flinders University
http://au.movember.com/team/649057 Hey there Mo-bros and Mo-sistas! The Flinders Archaeological Society has decided to change the face of men’s health, and will be getting involved with this year’s Movember! But we need your help… Not only are we looking for donations (all of which will be going to charity), but we are
10
the headstones and historic plaques) and record headstone details. With a small team of just a handful of students over a few hours on the Saturday and less on the Sunday, all 42 interments were located and recorded as well as general site inforIn October, ArchSoc took a team of its members to
mation.
Prospect Hill for some field work as part of the her-
Some problems encountered included missing
itage project we are currently assisting with. Over
graves (we could only identify 39 to begin with) and
the weekend of the 6th-7th of October, fourteen or
a confusing map layout that conflicted with what
so came to help with field work at Survey Hill,
we could see for ourselves. Both mysteries were
Mount Ephraim Cemetery and some volunteer work
solved with the realisation that we had missed that
at the local museum. For the most part of the trip,
there were multiple interments under single head-
all volunteers were split into two teams between Mt
stones that we had not accounted for (so there
Ephraim Cemetery and Survey Hill. Although mem-
were only 39 head stones but they reflected 42
bers had the freedom to swap teams and experi-
burials) and one single pacing distance had been
ence both sites, the majority gained an attachment
recorded as metres rather than paces (we had ac-
on the first day to their team and designated sites.
cidentally forgotten to convert one measurement)
Mt Ephraim Cemetery was in use between 1857-
which had thrown out an entire quarter of the site.
1915 and was also the site of the Pioneer Method-
The weekend was a productive effort by all in-
ist Church, demolished in 1874 and replaced by
volved and I would like to extend a thank you to
buildings at Prospect Hill and Bulls Creek. At Mt
Ray Bailey, Joyce Smart, the Prospect Hill Com-
Ephraim Cemetery, our teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals were to cre-
munity Association, and Trees for Life. Last (but
ate a basic map of the site using pacing and com-
definitely not least) thank you to all our members
pass, photograph the significant features (such as
and committee folk who got involved, and please keep an eye out for future trips to the area as we hope continue our work on the local heritage here. Nessa Beasley Master of Archaeology student, Flinders University For more on the ArchSoc Heritage Project, visit http://www.flindersarchsoc.com
Mt Ephraim Cemetery entrance. Many headstones were halfhidden under thick vegetation. Photo: Nessa Beasley
11
Prospect Hill was founded as a township in 1872; however, thirty years prior to this Thomas Burr operated survey studies of the surrounding area deemed important to the establishment of pastoral areas and the growth of the then fledging settlement of Adelaide. The Burr family lived in the region for a
Andrew Wilkinson using the Total Station at Survey Hill. Photograph by Scott Jacob
few years before mineral exploration north of Ade-
laide promised prosperity too good to ignore. In Oc- The highest peak in the vicinity, Survey Hill, comtober this year members of ArchSoc took the short mands a small area; now recovered bushland. drive through the picturesque Adelaide Hills and From this hill it is likely Thomas conducted surveys descended upon the township of Prospect Hill. The of the countryside as the view would have had clear local community hoped we might be able to help line of sight to other high points across the landaddress their question “Where was surveyor Thom- scape. Prospect Hill itself had its part as one of the early semaphore communications stations critical in
as Burr’s house or camp?”
the settlements early years. Finding evidence of a house or survey camp is proving difficult. For such an integral part of the colony of Adelaide’s survival there is surprisingly little information. There appears to be little documentation concerning the camp itself and archival research continues in this area. It is unlikely the house would have been built on top of the hill where clear sight to other survey points would be necessary. The surrounding area is heavily worked farmland so physical evidence on the ground surface around the site is problematic. Survey Hill itself was the site of the local council rubbish dump for many years in the 1970s. The infamous 1983 bushfires swept the area clear. Subsequent local dumping, clean up and bush restoration has reduced any obvious signs of settlement period archaeology. It was this scene that met the small group of archaeology students on the October weekend. The scope of this phase of the project was to perform a Jordan Ralph of ArchSoc and Ray Bailey of the Prospect Hill Community Association at Survey Hill. Photograph by Scott Jacob
surface survey of the site to look for potential targets of interest.
12
Although restricted to specific parts of the site in order to maintain the delicate ecological balance of the fauna and flora in the area a couple of artefact assemblages did reveal themselves as pockets of surface deposit. Some of the material could be dated quickly to the 1930s, and other artefacts certainly more recent than that. Due to the state of the finds and their position on the surface of the soil these deposits must have occurred sometime after the 1983 bushfires. A piece of metal found was soon identified as a portion of a wheel from ploughing equipment. No direct evidence of Thomas Burr and the house of his family were found, but it is still early in the investigation process. Archaeological survey encompasses the process of elimination in as much as it hopes to find verifiable proof. The importance of the material remains of historical and pre-
Jessica Lumb with representatives of the Prospect Hill Community Association. Photograph by Jordan Ralph
historical sites is complemented by the oral histories, the folklore and the official records. The knowledge and the enthusiasm of the community
As part of our recent field trip to Prospect Hill,
for the history of the township and surrounding ar-
ArchSoc members lent a hand to the Prospect Hill
ea are truly inspirational.
Museum. With our many skills and able bodies,
The team participants managed to work through site challenges and put into practice important archaeological field skills while working with the general public, the media and the community. The project is in its early stages and it is hoped further investigation will shed more light on the prospects of finding the location of this survey camp.
tasks such as cleaning out leaves to prepare for bushfire season, cleaning Museum areas and shifting large items became quick and efficient. Not only were we rewarded with the satisfaction of a job well done, and the knowledge that we were helping a worthy cause, but we were also rewarded with cake. Grateful museum volunteers and members of the Prospect Hill Community Association invited us
Andrew Wilkinson
to their Sunday afternoon tea. We were grateful for
Undergraduate archaeology student,
the coffee and treats, but far more grateful for the
Flinders University
company present. The afternoon mingling gave us the perfect chance to ask questions that had
Keep an eye out in 2013 for another heritage pro- plagued us through the weekend; like why all the ject ArchSoc will be involved in as well as the Prospect Hill project. We are working with the Tea Tree headstones in the Mt Ephraim Cemetery were the Gully Council to set up a survey of historical ruins at same. Ansteyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill Conservation Park.
13
However, it was also a great opportunity for questions to be asked of us; like what we found, what we knew from our extensive background research, and further questions that we could provide answers for. Prior to commencing work at Prospect Hill many ArchSoc members took part in background re-
Master
search. This background research took focuses
email: tayl0415@flinders.edu.au
of
Maritime
Archaeology
Thesis.
including historical information, environmental information and contemporary information. However, after we had said our goodbyes on Sunday afternoon, and had returned to our warm homes and computers, I continued some historical research about Prospect Hill, with a new focus: answering the questions that were posed to us during the afternoon tea conversations. The following Sunday I headed back up to Prospect Hill, armed with articles and information for the community members and museum volunteers. On the visit I managed to talk to community members and gather more information, but more importantly, I was also able to answer some of their questions. The joy I felt sharing this information, and having more questions asked of me was wonderful; and so was my second Prospect Hill afternoon tea. Jessica Lumb Postgraduate archaeology student,
Compass from the Albatross,on display at Port Victoria Maritime Museum. Photo: Cassandra. Morris
Flinders University
South Australia has numerous shipwrecks, material from which is currently displayed across the state in many different museums. Analysing the register entries for these artefacts, this thesis studies the quality and quantity of information recorded. Across 23 museums data was collected in person, via email and mail and resulted in 645 artefacts recorded and discussed. These artefacts were loaded into a specially designed database system, Nessa Beasley, Jordan Ralph and Andrew Wilkinson modeling ArchSocks at Morning tea. Photo: Scott Jacob
14
developed from the museum registers themselves. and suggested ideas for new merchandise. It is Records were compared against each other, in ad- thanks to Heather that the ArchSoc has their fantasdition to collection management policies, and ar- tic new range of knitwear, the ArchSock. chaeological standards. This comparison illustrated Aside from the financial and administration assisa distinct need for improvement within museum tance Heather supplies the ArchSoc, she is a reguregister recording. Main areas of improvement in- lar at our events. We appreciate everything Heather clude further details recorded within registers, the does for the Society and for Flinders archaeology necessity to document the artefact's story as op- students in general. posed to just the ship's history, the computerisation of registers across South Australia, and the implementation of standardisation throughout Australia. These results demonstrate that South Australia is a step behind other museums, both within Australia and globally, in terms of implementing new technology and standardisation. You can find a digital copy of Morrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thesis here: <http://www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/archaeology/ Shaun Adams receives his raffle prize from carpenter Bob Stone, as Claire Smith admires the quality of the work. Photo: Jordan Ralph
archaeology-digital-library/masterstheses.cfm#master_of_maritime>
Two deserving members of ArchSoc were inducted Bob Stone was nominated for Life Membership to into Life Membership of the Flinders Archaeological the Flinders Archaeological Society because of the Society at the Annual General Meeting held on the continued support that he shows; and has shown for 8th November 2012.
a number of years. Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determination to see the Society grow by helping the committee where he can over the years has benefited the ArchSoc immensely. He is always willing to stop and lend a
Heather Burke was nominated for Life Membership to the Flinders Archaeological Society because of the continued support that she shows, and has shown, ArchSoc for many years. As a member of the Flinders University Archaeology Department faculty, Heather has helped the ArchSoc Executive secure funding from the Department and the Australi-
hand; for this, the Archaeological Society thanks him. Bob is often seen assisting at many events, and has provided exceptional donations to the group, including hand-made prizes for raffles, such as the coffee table seen in the photograph above.
an Archaeological Association, sent field work opportunities our way, supplied merchandise for sale
15
(Submitted by Jordan Ralph, words by Jacqueline Matthews)
(Submitted by Cassandra Morris, words by Jennifer
We are thrilled to announce that the Australian Ar-
McKinnon)
chaeological Association (AAA) has reached the
The Australian Institute of Maritime Archaeology
milestone of 1000 current members for 2012.
(AIMA) is pleased to announce the launch of their new website http://www..aima-underwater.org.au/
This is the first time in the history of the AAA that
After several months of development we are excit-
we have had a membership base of this size and
ed that the website is now up and running. It has
we would like to take this opportunity to thank all
many new pages and features including:
members for their continued support of and in-
·A photo gallery
volved with AAA. Our 1000th member will be re-
·Online AIMA membership registration
ceiving a free year of membership to help celebrate
·A merchandise store
this milestone. We are also planning to provide
·A current news section on home page
prizes for upcoming milestones in 1000's in the
·Host for the AIMA photography competition
lead up to the conference in Wollongong, more de-
·Members only login for discounts on merchandise,
tails on this are to follow.
electronic publications, etc. ·And much, much, more… One of the best bargains on offer is a recently released CD of past AIMA Bulletins for only
(Submitted by Jordan Ralph)
49.95AUD! Have decades of research at your fin-
Recently, the Flinders Archaeological Society was
gertips!
successful in its application for a grant from the newly established Flinders University Student As-
A few of the functions are still being set up such as
sociation. The total amount of funding that ArchSoc
the merchandise store and members login. We will
will receive is $900 in the way of reimbursement for
make an announcement when those are up and
fundraising costs, equipment expenses and field-
running or you can check back. Please check the
work subsidies. This grant comes from the pro-
website regularly for new content such as an-
ceeds of the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
nouncements and news. Don't forget to sign up for the free e-newsletter for news and updates!
For more information on the Student Services and Amenities Fee: http://www.flinders.edu.au/enrolling/feeinformation/ssaf/student-services-fee.cfm For more information on the Flinders University Student Association: http://www.flindersone.edu.au/Content.aspx?p=34
16
‘DigIt!’ was the flagship publication of ArchSoc for quite some time until it ceased production a few
Movember
years ago. DigIt! was a well-established and good
(http://au.movember.com/team/649057)
quality newsletter that played an important role in
Date: 01/11/2012-30/11/2012
the ArchSoc membership. DigIt! has been revived
Location: N/A
in 2012 as a result of the suite of reinvigorating
South Australian Archaeology Society’ AGM
changes that this year’s Executive and General
Date: 16/11/2012
committees has instigated. Our aim with this publi-
Time: 6.30pm
cation is to produce at least three volumes a year
Location: Box Factory Community Cen-
so that students and friends of the Flinders Univer-
tre, Adelaide City
sity Archaeology Department can present their research and find out about what the Society is do-
End of year BBQ
ing.
Date: 01/12/2012
Previously this year ArchSoc has produced two
Time: 11.30am
digital newsletters; for this edition we have decid-
Location: Mitcham Reserve
ed to use part of the grant awarded us by the Flin-
Mail-out of AA75, the journal of the Australian Archaeological Association.
ders University Student Association and print hard copies for our members. The current ArchSoc committee hopes that this
Volunteers needed!
endeavour will be continued into next year and
Date: 03/12/2012
beyond, and that this publication continues to grow
Time: TBA
in readership and quality.
Location: HUMNS 112
Any constructive feedback can be forwarded to: archsoccommittee@gmail.com
AAA35, the Annual Conference of the Australian Archaeological Association Date: 09/12/2012-13/12/2012 Location: Wollongong, NSW
WAC-7, the seventh World Archaeological Congress Date: 14/01/2013-18/01/2013 Location: The Dead Sea, Jordan
17
18
19
Editorial team: Rhiannon Agutter: Soliciting articles Antoinette Hennessy: Layout and design Jordan Ralph: Editing and layout Andrew Wilkinson: Layout and design
Email: archsoccommittee@gmail.com Blog: http://www.flindersarchsoc.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/flindersARCHSOC Twitter: @FlindersArchSoc Web: http://www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/archaeology/archaeology-society.cfm Mailing list: https://listserver.flinders.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/archsoc
20