Washington and Lee University
The Anthropology Laboratory, Archaeological Collections, University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
The Anthropology Laboratory is housed in the nine-room historic Liberty Hall Farmhouse. The lab consists of five networked computers for students of Sociology and Anthropology to analyze collections, facilities for processing artifacts from initial washing to final curation using archival materials, artifact storage areas, and a museum area with permanent display cases.
W&L is fortunate to have a facility dedicated to caring for its archaeological collections, from initial washing as artifacts come out of the field, through cataloging and analysis, and, finally, to curation (or storage). Archaeological excavation is by nature a destructive process and archaeologists recognize that they have an ethical obligation to properly care for these collections. Archaeologists want to honor past peoples that left behind traces of their lives, as well as to make sure that future researchers can develop new insights from these collections.
For over three decades, W&L faculty, staff, and students have excavated a variety of historic and prehistoric sites in the local area, the collections of which are housed at the laboratory. These sites include Liberty Hall Project and Liberty Hall Academy Complex, Longdale Mining Complex, and The Colonnade at Washington and Lee.
Archaeological Collections Management guidelines, laws, as well as details about artifact identification, can be found here.
For more information on student research possibilities in archaeology, see Opportunities for Students.
The Anthropology Laboratory houses a small museum highlighting findings from over 30 years of excavation, particularly as part of the Spring Term Course known affectionately as "The Dig." An exhibit focusing on the archaeology of W&L's nationally historic 18th and 19th century campuses opened October 20, 2006. Click here for more information about the Museum and the exhibit.
The Museum of Archaeology does not maintain regular hours. Before you visit, call (540) 458-8574 to schedule a time to see the museum.
