OPEN ARCHIVE – a new web based system for accessing our past

OPEN ARCHIVE – a new web based system for accessing our past

The wealth of information gathered by local archaeological groups and societies on excavations, surveys and documentary research is one of the important sources of data for the study of archaeology in the UK.  Currently, this archive of British archaeology is stored locally, within libraries and local history centres as well as with the originating group themselves.  In addition, PhDs and other research can be found in locations often scattered throughout the country.  The premise of Open Archive is to collect the records of the past and present and share them with everybody.

Open Archive is an accessible library of user generated reports and publications where archaeology societies, PhD research students, graveyard recording and community groups can share their discoveries with a wide audience.

The easy to use interface combines intuitive searches by period, type of project and location with a map based view showing the location of the selected documents.  Each item can then be viewed as either a short description or as the complete publication.  This resource creates a public portal to the records of our shared heritage that were previously only available on a few local archaeology group websites OR as paper copies in the local library.  The idea is to allow this to be both interactive and open to sharing via feeds and direct data transfer.

The data entry form is modelled exactly on the Discovery and Excavation Scotland (DES) fields, and has the potential to allow direct transfer of this data to the record.  (For future projects this would mean every record sent to Open Archive that is located in Scotland could be automatically be sent to the DES along with a copy of the report.)  In addition, we are working on automatically sending Treasure Trove reporting, Open Archive is developing for the future and your comments are welcome.

Loading the pdf versions of the document onto Open Archive is a quick step by step process, maintaining ease of use without compromising the value of the information gathered.  The more users that utilise this secure public archive, the more useful it becomes, building a written record of the past in Britain by those that know it best.

Free to register and use, we are currently in consultation to help take paper records and transform them into searchable digital formats, where the rediscovery of these publications may even re-ignite interest in the area.

Open Archive is exactly that – a public resource, created for everyone.

You can view the current Version here http://www.openarchive.co.uk

and we welcome comment info@digitalpast.co.uk

David Connolly and Steve White (Digital Past)

A new image for commercial archaeology??

http://bajrfed.co.uk/mod/vanillaforum/vanilla/comments.php?DiscussionID=45

A new image for commercial archaeology??

A fascinating insight into the business side of archaeology from the telegraph.  A brave move by Headland..  and a real eye opener (I HOPE!!)    SO have a look and get involved in teh debate..  is this the truth?  or is it unfair?

Carpow Boat on Loch Tay!

Carpow Log boat is excavated in 2006

The Bronze Age lived on at Loch Tay (Perthshire, Scotland), as a replica of a 3000-year-old logboat successfully completed its maiden voyage. A team of more than 30 volunteers worked for three weeks to make the boat, modelled on a prehistoric vessel discovered in the Tay estuary in 2001.

Six people were given the chance to paddle the craft as it made the short trip to the Scottish Crannog Centre, near Aberfeldy, from a nearby picnic site. The volunteers were tasked with creating the nine metre-long boat from a single Douglas Fir, using replicas of Bronze Age tools alongside their modern equivalents.

Expertise was provided by Damian Goodburn of the Museum of London and by the Crannog Centre’s Barrie Andrian. The so-called Carpow logboat, on which the replica was modelled, was discovered in the Tay estuary by metal detectorists in 2001.

The boat was recovered from the water in 2006, and is currently undergoing conservation work at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Archaeologists are unclear as to how the Carpow logboat met its demise – but the modern copy crossed the loch in a little over five minutes despite difficult conditions.

The log boat is going to be added to the collection at the Crannog Centre, and visitors will be able to see it.

Finally a reconstructed ancient boat story with a happy non sinking ending.

Tay Crannog cente..well worth a visit!   http://www.crannog.co.uk

Orkney College – Courses in Archaeology

Archaeological Practice - MA PG Dip

This exciting course is one of a number of courses on offer from the UHI Millennium Institute. The initiative is led by Orkney College and students will be based in Orkney for their time of study. The course aims to provide an opportunity for those wishing to continue studies in archaeology, to develop new skills, gain further experience in existing skills, and continue professional development.

The course is taught by staff from Orkney College and from other UHI Millennium Institute partner institutions including Shetland College and Lews Castle College. Students will also work with the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA), OAESIS, Tankerness House Museum, conservation and farming agencies and organisations, and may also have the opportunity to take field trips and placements in other areas of the Highlands and Islands.

The course is structured in such a way as to blend together archaeological theory and practical skills, and we feel the courses have a lot to offer those who seek professional skills and hands on experience relevant to current archaeological thinking and practice.

Orkney College Shallow Geophysics Msc PG Dip

This programme is aimed at graduates in archaeology and environmental sciences who wish to specialise in geophysical prospection, and to graduates with geophysics degrees who wish to move into shallow archaeological/environmental prospection. The programme will provide you with an understanding of the scientific principles behind the techniques used in shallow prospection and a comprehensive knowledge of the practical use of a variety of techniques commonly used in archaeological/shallow geophysics. Core modules cover theoretical and practical applications of shallow geophysical techniques including gradiometry, magnetic susceptibility, area resistance survey, electrical imaging and tomography, and ground penetrating radar. Optional modules allow you to expand your knowledge in different areas. If your background is in archaeology you will be encouraged to widen your skill base with optional modules in environmental site investigation and GIS. Geophysics graduates are encouraged to take optional modules in archaeology to gain an understanding of the formation of archaeological sites.

Features

solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of archaeological geophysics
hands-on experience of geophysical survey
access to a wide variety of state of the art equipment
study techniques and application in a diverse archaeological landscape

Past Horizons Magazine – Issue 9 – August

Issue 9

David and Maggie (editors) would like to welcome you to the latest edition of Past Horizons Online

Journal of volunteer archaeology and training

Past Horizons Magazine – Issue 9 – August

Back as a quarterly journal, and packed with amazing articles and ideas for volunteering in archaeology around the world.

The magazine is now available here:

http://en.calameo.com/books/0000627297fcccc634fd5

with new cutting edge flip page technology and embedded videos, as well as live links taking you straight to websites with more information. (you will need a fairly up to date computer)

If you can’t use this for whatever reason, we have also uploaded a simpler PDF version here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/18505221/Past-Horizons-Issue-9-Aug-2009?classic_ui=1

You can now explore the world of Past Horizons on google earth – just use this kmz file (you must have google earth installed)

http://www.pasthorizons.com/magazine/PastHorizonsAug09.kmz

Now see what you are missing.

Editorial

Rocky adventures in Croatia and Scotland.

News stories from around the world.

Fresco Hunting in Western Bulgaria

Since 2008 Balkan Heritage has been cataloguing beautiful Orthodox frescoes found in the crumbling remains of mediaeval churches and monasteries in western Bulgaria. With the help of volunteers they aim to bring these frescoes to the attention of the world.

Zulu

The eMakhosini valley in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is known as the Valley of the Zulu Kings. Here, two local legends are being explored concerning the Ngobese Zulu and the Siblikeni Homestead of King Senzangakhona.

Starting Out

A group of like-minded Brislington residents in the UK get together to form their own archaeology project.

The Looting of Ratiaria

The tragedy of the wholesale looting of an ancient Roman city in north western Bulgaria.

Time Team America

A look at the five-part series of the brand new Time Team America.

Dig In

A selection of archaeological volunteer digs and field schools for 2009/2010.

Dig Cook

Culinary escapades from Annie

Viewpoint

David Connolly discusses the benefits of viewing the familiar with a fresh pair of eyes.

Back Pages

Indiana Jones and the world of advertising.

new TV show with Dr Zahi Hawass – Archaeologists Wanted

Do you want to appear on a major new TV show with Dr Zahi Hawass?

ARCHAEOLOGISTS or ANTHROPOLOGISTS WANTED!

A new television series for the History Channel is seeking an Archaeology or Anthropology Expert/Professor AND several student Archaeology or Anthropology majors or recent graduates! (Please do NOT submit if you are only an enthusiast.)

This expert and the students will be a part of a small team that will travel to several digs in Egypt with the legendary Dr. Zahi Hawass. (If the expert and/or the students have experience in Egyptology even better, but this is not a requirement.)

This series will be the adventure of a lifetime! There is also pay to be negotiated. And the time commitment is roughly October 2009 through February 2010. We understand this may seem like a long time frame for some professionals and students, but it is an opportunity unlike any other!

If this sounds like you, please email Nigel for the auditioning instructions and if you are not currently on the Past Preservers talent database, please send a current CV, including your date of birth, nationality, and mention of any previous experience working in the media, along with a photograph of you, to nigel@pastpreservers.com

Please note if you have applied previously to this appeal, you can reapply and your application will be considered again

http://www.pastpreservers.com/

major new TV show with Dr Zahi Hawass – Archaeologists wanted

Do you want to appear on a major new TV show with Dr Zahi Hawass?

ARCHAEOLOGISTS or ANTHROPOLOGISTS WANTED!

A new television series for the History Channel is seeking an Archaeology or Anthropology Expert/Professor AND several student Archaeology or Anthropology majors or recent graduates! (Please do NOT submit if you are only an enthusiast.) This expert and the students will be a part of a small team that will travel to several digs in Egypt with the legendary Dr. Zahi Hawass. (If the expert and/or the students have experience in Egyptology even better, but this is not a requirement.) This series will be the adventure of a lifetime! There is also pay to be negotiated. And the time commitment is roughly October 2009 through February 2010. We understand this may seem like a long time frame for some professionals and students, but it is an opportunity unlike any other! If this sounds like you, please email Nigel for the auditioning instructions and if you are not currently on the Past Preservers talent database, please send a current CV, including your date of birth, nationality, and mention of any previous experience working in the media, along with a photograph of you, to nigel@pastpreservers.com

Please note if you have applied previously to this appeal, you can reapply and your application will be considered again http://www.pastpreservers.com/

Berlusconi digs himself a big Phoenician hole

The tape scandal surounding the Italian PM Berlusconi, has taken a heritage turn.. the tape has the saucy Italian PM telling an escort of unreported ancient burial site on his estate, beneath his swan filled lake.  ! 

read on.. and be shocked!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/24/silvio-berlusconi-tapes-archaeological-tombs

 

£100m funding black hole threatens major arts projects

Just another 8m please, to finish the job.

Culture department accused of ‘hopeless management’ over budget shortfall
reports Charlotte Higgins, chief arts writer for the Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/jul/22/dcms-culture-department-funding-deficit

Oh dear dear dear.  don’t tell me you did not see that coming?  and if the biggies are hit, where will that leave less high profile projects, funding and support.     better start retraining!   On the bright side, after decades of worry about the new Stonehenge Visitors Centre..  this decision has been mitigated by the simple fact there is not enough money to build a shed let alone a new tourist facility.

How To Get Involved In Archaeology – A short Guide

This short guide is designed to help answer some of the basic questions that are asked about getting started in archaeology, whether as an interested amateur a determined schoolchild or a student getting ready to leave university or college. It can’t be completely comprehensive, without being hundreds of pages long, but hopefully adds enough detail, and links to other resources to satisfy most questions.
Whatever your reason for reading this, please remember that archaeology is supposed to be enjoyable, it’s why you should do it. It won’t make you rich, and probably won’t make you famous, but it might just give you something different in your life.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Confucius (551-479BC).
This guide was produced by
David Connolly, BAJR © (http://www.bajr.org)

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