The role of science in the care of cultural heritage

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The role of science in the care of cultural heritage Mary F. Striegel Chief, Materials Conservation

Transcript of The role of science in the care of cultural heritage

Page 1: The role of science in the care of cultural heritage

The role of science in the care of cultural heritage

Mary F. StriegelChief, Materials Conservation

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Cultural resources are subjected to many agents of deterioration.

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As a result, many are lost everyday due to poor maintenance, disasters, destruction, or decay

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Cultural Resource Managers and Preservationists serve as stewards.

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Challenge: Making informed decisions without researched facts.

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Sound decisions based on scientific knowledge.

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Understand how science can guide preservation.

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CulturalResource

Analyst

Interpreter

Teacher

Product Evaluator

Technical Specialist

R&D Investigator

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The Analyst:Understand Materials

Cultural Resource

Analyst

Interpreter

Teacher

Product Evaluator

Technical Specialist

R&D Investigator

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Case #1: Study of metal composition

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pXRF provides chemical fingerprints

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

keV

16RR1_anglesheet_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_block_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_foldsheet_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_hand_11-5-08_40kV

16RR1_lipped_11-5-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet1_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet2_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet4_11-6-08_40KV

16RR1_sheet5_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet6_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet7_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet8_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_sheet_11-5-08_40kV

16RR1_shortstrip_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_strip_11-5-08_40kV

16RR1_tip_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_tube1_11-6-08_40kV

16RR1_tube2_11-6-08_40KV

Ca

Si

Ba

Fe

Fe

Ca

KS

Cu Cu

ClP

Rh k backscatter

Pb

Pb

As

Cu sum peaks

Sr

Br

40 kV

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Understand the object

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The Interpreter:Introduces new technologies

Cultural Resource

Analyst

Interpreter

Teacher

Product Evaluator

Technical Specialist

R&D Investigator

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Case #2: Creation of 3D models of basketry

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Laser, Photogrammetry, RTI

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Create virtual model

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The Evaluator:Compare treatments

Cultural Resource

Analyst

Interpreter

Teacher

Product Evaluator

Technical Specialist

R&D Investigator

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Case #3: Study products to clean grave markers

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Test products/evaluate results

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Recommend best practices

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The R&D Investigator:Define Decay Mechanisms

Cultural Resource

Analyst

Interpreter

Teacher

Product Evaluator

Technical Specialist

R&D Investigator

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Case #4: Decay of Granite

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Recreate environment in the lab

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Develop new treatments

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CulturalResource

Analyst

Interpreter

Teacher

Product Evaluator

Technical Specialist

R&D Investigator

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Mary StriegelEmail: Phone: Web: ncptt.nps.govFacebook: facebook.com/ncpttTwitter: twitter.com/ncpttFlickr: flickr.com/photos/ncpttmedia