Abstract

In September of 2007 the Department of Anthropology at McMaster University initiated the 'Collections Management Plan'. After decades in storage the materials recovered by archaeological field research conducted in 1960's and 1970's have been re-excavated from their cardboard matrix. The necessity for this came from a need for more storage space for existing materials, but most importantly it came from a recognized responsibility to maintain the collections and their potential for furthering research into Ontario's archaeological history. The objective is to develop and maintain a comprehensive database of excavated sites which will enable us to provide researchers with access to materials and information pertaining to the collections. It has also provided an opportunity to engage current undergraduate students with the changing practices of Canadian Archaeology. We hope that this research will reach the broader archaeological community and present opportunities for learning more about the history of this extensive collection.