New Behind the Scenes Tour

We now offer a behind the scenes guided tour at the museum in Grand Turk. The tour is available through the website at www.tcmuseum.org. The tour has been developed for people who want a more detailed and longer experience at the museum. This may be divers who are really interested in seeing collections from shipwrecks around Grand Turk that are not on display. This may also be cruise ship tours who want an experience a little more personal and less crowded.

Yesterday we had our first guests on the tour. Ken and Debby came off the Carnival Liberty.

Jessica took them through the museum and the Molasses Reef Wreck. For the "behind the scenes" portion in the labs, someone was working on the Provo Island Wise exhibit case, so they got a full discussion of how museum exhibits are developed.

They had a great time. In fact Ken said that the tour was the "highlight of their cruise."

Renaissance Musician?

On Tuesday we had a local musician's jam at the museum. Often during these events visitors will show up and sit in. On this particular night Wally Jarvis, a Renaissance musician from Michigan, came and played a 13th century wooden flute.

The evening was incredible. The Wet Lab and outside areas were full of people. The blend of island music and Medieval flute was particularly captivating. Truly remarkable. One of the best music events we have held at the museum.

We appreciate participation like this. It not only makes the museum a fun place to come to, but it makes our programs fun for us as well.

Finished Digging!

By Rory McEathron

The surveying part of the archaeological project finished today. We covered another 15 holes (many of which we were forced to surface collect) and found a wide range of colorful ceramic fragments and broken bottles.

I learned today that it is possible to estimate the age of a bottle by measuring how deep the indentation on the bottom is. Present-day glass bottles usually have flat bottoms, but when bottles were made in the 19^th century they were blown on the end of a rod. The older bottles had very large indentations on the bottom where the rod was placed.

We were also greeted today by a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron at one of our holes. These birds, which stand about two feet tall, are basically fearless and do not fly away unless closely approached. After watching the bird for nearly five minutes, it flew into the dense scrub and disappeared. I always find the incredible variety of creatures God has created amazing...I was astounded again today and I hope that I will continue to be! Artifact cleaning tomorrow!

Talking Taino Event Great Sucess

by Jessica Brody

This Friday's event with Betsy Carlson, author of Talking Taino, was a great success. Betsy signed copies of her book and she and her team of archeologists revealed the artifacts uncovered at this week's dig on GT-4, the 4th Lucayan site discovered off Cork Tree Beach, Grand Turk. We learned how the island people used small conch shells to break the foot off of larger conch shells releasing the meat. Talk about using what nature gave you!

Also on the site were bits of 1800 and 1900 pottery which may be evidence of Cork Tree Plantation. Rory told stories about how much easier it was to distinguish the familar china patterns from the tiny Lucayan beads. People were astounded by how very careful you had to be not to mistake the pre-historic artifacts with rocks!

The night wrapped up with some acoustic music accompaniment from Allesio. Thanks to all who attended and helped make the night a success!

The Excavation: Day 4

By Rory McEathron

Our archaeological dig led us to 19^th-century remnants of an old building behind Corktree Beach today. The building, which the Museum Director believes was originally known as Corktree Plantation, is today simply a pile of burned and broken rocks—however, the ruins are littered with broken ceramic fragments.

Most of the shards are blue and white, while others are various shades of red, green and brown. These fragments, which date from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, are easy to see on the screen. When compared to the dark brown beads and bone fragments that we’ve been finding, these vivid shards seem to jump from the ground.

We also began using a laser range finder today. Instead of pacing out every distance, we simply press a button and the exact distance is projected onto the tiny screen. I always find the new technology incredible...how can a tiny device have so much processing power? I guess that’s why I’m not a computer programmer! Day five tomorrow—all the holes should be finished by the end of the day!

Another Day, Another...Digging?

By Rory McEathron

The archaeological excavation continued today, mindless of the overcast weather--which I thoroughly enjoyed. The whole group worked incredibly hard today, digging 22 new holes (most of which had nothing of substance in them) and covering almost two acres.

Had it been hot and sunny like yesterday, I think that we may have had casualties—I am exhausted anyway. The ground we’re covering is covered with hundreds of thorn-bushes, and I think that seeds could actually be planted in the dirt-filled gouges in my legs and arms. We’re definitely making good progress though.

Debbie and I talked for close to half an hour about Hollywood archaeology today while we were working. Why can’t real archaeology be like we see in Indiana Jones? I mean, he walks onto a site and finds the priceless treasure in his first hole! So far, out of 56 holes, the most interesting thing that we’ve found is…a tiny piece of pottery? I’m really having fun with it —it’s hard work but I’m learning a lot and getting to spend time with people I’d never have a chance to otherwise. Day four tomorrow!

The Excavation Continues!

By Rory McEathron

We (the Museum Director, two American professionals, and I) continued with the excavation of archaeological site GT-4 today. The project, which I code-named Operation Queen Conch, is starting to move along more rapidly. Over 30 holes have been dug and innumerable conch fragments and bone pieces discovered.

Neal and I worked together again today, which I really enjoyed. As we worked, our topics of conversation changed again and again—from TV shows to baseball (my favorite sport) to snorkeling—and I think that we both learned a lot about each other today.

At the same time, the dig became much more exciting as we began finding Lucayan artifacts. The artifacts—which range from shell beads to fish vertebrae—date to around 800 A.D. and are usually buried around 40 centimeters deep. We started using a finer screen to catch more artifacts and it quickly paid off, as we found several bead fragments and a few complete beads. It was the beginning of what would turn out to be a day of many holes and even more artifacts. I’m learning a lot and am definitely enjoying this experience!

The Beginning Of The Excavation

By Rory McEathron

Monday marked the beginning of an archaeological dig that I am getting the chance to assist with. The site is known as GT-4 (GT standing for Grand Turk) and is based around a site located the west side of the island. I am working alongside the Museum’s Director and two professional archaeologists from the United States, and the excavation will run for the week’s entirety.

The archaeologists work by digging test pits every 25 meters. We dig a pit that’s approximately 70 centimeters deep—a little over two feet—and then pouring the material through a screen. The sand and dirt fall through, while shells, rocks and pottery bits are left exposed. By tracking numbers of artifacts (potsherds, beads, etc.), they can figure out where the main site was located.

I quickly learned that archaeology is nothing like Hollywood makes it out to be. As amazing as this may seem, every shovelful doesn’t turn up a gold nugget or tiny valuable stone statue. Over six hours of work and 15 holes, we found two pottery fragments and one whole bead. However, I am really looking forward to working and learning for the rest of the week!

Busy Busy! - Jessica

Last week was insanely busy! Here's a sampling of what kept us busy:

• The Fort St. George artifact cleaning continued by Dr. Keith.
  
• Rory alternated taking pictures of the artifacts for cataloging and giving his stellar tours.
• On Thursday the swimming activities were canceled due to rough seas increasing our expected visitor count by 50%!
• Look out for the newest Astrolab Newsletter in the Times of the Island. We just sent in our materials for the articles and already have a proof from the editor - it's going to be another great issue!
  
• Our trustee meeting was this week and included the annual report for 2009 and outlined goals for the coming months.
  
• We hosted a private party this week after hours. It was great fun showing off the Turks and Caicos history to our host's guests. Dr. Keith guided people through the museum and showed off his most recent work in the laboratory. Dinner was accompanied by light music and set a lovely tone for the social event. Among the distinguished guests was His Excellency the Governor and his wife. What a treat!
  

Today starts another busy week at the museum. Aliatt brought her class to visit us today and the archeological dig on GT-4 started today too. Rory will tell you more about that later, until then I'm going off to hear some of the stories first hand!

After School Program Update

The after school program is going strong. Everyday there are more students using our newly purchased labtops and preparing their reports. Today I took a step back for a moment to marvel at the success of the program. There was a line for the computers today.
We knew the Museum was popular, but it seems we are the hot ticket on the Grand Turk after school activities most wanted list.

Sugar Does What?!

Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s first event of the Spring 2 Collections series. It was incredibly successful. Everyone who attended seemed to enjoy socializing over wine and cheese and then listening to Dr. Donald Keith’s terrific talk on the conservation of artifacts. Who knew that sugar could be used to save a waterlogged wheel?

After the discussion, Alessio’s band took to the floor and played for two hours while our guests chatted and listened. It was a very enjoyable evening and we look forward to the next event on March 2nd.

Spring 2 Collections Begins Today

We are starting a new series tonight called Spring 2 Collections at the museum.

The focus of our first event is on artifacts found at Fort George, which are in the process of being conserved. They will be on display in the Museum Science Building tonight from 6:30 - 9:00pm.

Just after three long days of work, previously hidden clues have been revealed on many of the artifacts. Still this afternoon there are "small finds" soaking in cleaning solution. Tonight's event will allow our members and guests to view conservation in progress while Dr. Keith talks about the artifacts and hypothesizes about the secrets they may reveal.

Thank you to those who have RSVP'ed for tonight. Those who have not are still welcome! Wine and cheese will be served as we explore the secrets of the Fort George artifacts.

And if you stick around after 9:00 you can hear some great music.

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