Artifact Conservation and Historical Archaeology at Historic St. Mary's City

“All archaeological excavation carries the professional obligation to preserve the materials recovered through proper and appropriate conservation treatments” (SHA 1993). 

A Collaboration Between Archaeology and Conservation:
The Lead Coffin Project

While preparing for the rebuilding of a 17th-century Roman Catholic chapel at Historic St. Mary's City, archaeologists conducted test excavations and discovered that nearly 500 people had been interred in the area. With the aid of a ground penetrating radar survey, it was found that three members of this early community had been buried in lead coffins within the limits of the building foundations. These unique coffins were discovered in the north transept of the chapel in 1990.  They were reburied until a specialist team could be assembled. 

View A Collaboration Between Archaeology and Conservation: The Lead Coffin Project pages to see examples of the collaboration between archaeology and conservation can yield incredible results.

Learn more about the excavation of the coffins and some of the information gathered by visiting the Lead Coffin Project pages.