Northwestern Michigan 2012
Underwater Archaeology Fieldschool
2nd June – 17th June, 2012
Field-school aims and objectives
Schooner at the Empire Dock
Photo courtesy of Vrana (1995) Empire Area Museum
Field-school aim:
The aim of the field-school is to provide participants with an opportunity to participate (under the supervision of qualified archaeologists) in an archaeological survey of a substantial 20th century Pier near Empire,
Field-school objectives:
The objectives of the field-school are thus for participants;
1. To research and analyze information to contribute to the research objectives of work on the Empire Pier.
2. To understand the importance of safety and risk analysis in all archaeological fieldwork.
3. To gain experience in archaeological project management.
4. To develop competency in non-intrusive (2D and geophysics) archaeological survey techniques.
5. To be actively engaged in the creation, compilation and publication of archaeological data and records.
Field-school personnel:
The Grand Traverse Bay 2012 field-school will be taught by:
Dr. Mark W. Holley (Northwestern Michigan College),
Ian Cundy (NAS (UK)Training Officer),
Stephen Drake (Northwestern Michigan College),
Dan Harrison (Henery Ford Community College),
Brian Abbott (Nautilus Marine Group),
Dr. Clarles Cleland (emeritus Michigan State University),
Doug Domine (Northwestern Michigan Collage)
Assistance will also be provided by additional NAS Part 3 tutors from
Research Objectives:
The Empire Pier lies in 8-10 meters of water in Lake Michigan, just off the
The research objectives of the work on the Empire Pier in 2012 will be:
- To determine the extent of structural remains still present. The objective of this work will be to illustrate the extent of the piers remaining structure, to determine the actual length and width of the structure, and establish the extent of the scatter field surrounding the site;
- To establish a base-line survey in order to monitor the condition of the structure so that future surveys can determine whether or not deterioration is ongoing. This work should also identify if any new areas of material are becoming exposed as a result of changes in environmental conditions on the site.
Photo courtesy of Vrana (1995) Empire Area Museum
Project plan / method statement:
The Empire Pier Survey in 2012 will be undertaken over 7 days. The work is planned to include:
• Illustration and sketching
• Photography
• 2D survey techniques including offset and/or trilateration
• 3D survey techniques including the use of a Total Station and Site Recorder 4 software
• Planning frame drawing
• Creation of a 2D survey using sector-scan sonar.
Archive:
Data will be collected by using proforma sheets for each activity which will be subsequently written up to a paper archive. Participants will have the responsibility for writing up individual dive logs as well and processing any measurements and producing drawings each day.
The paper archive will be digitally scanned to create an electronic archive which will be stored and maintained on a project laptop computer. Digital photographs and video taken during the project will also be added to the archive and participants will be requested to contribute photos taken of the site with personal equipment and allow these to be used as part of the project report. A copy of this archive will be provided to the Northwestern Michigan Collage Library.
Participants will be able to use the field-school for their NAS Part 2 project report and would be asked to take responsibility (under supervision) for one particular element of the work. This may simply be the recording of a number of features or may entail processing the sonar measurements obtained. They would also be requested to submit their work as part of the NAS report to Northwestern Michigan Collage in 2012.
State of
A series of booklets detailing the natural and cultural resources in the park published by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes can be downloaded here.
Participants wishing to use the field-school for NVQ3 should contact the Nautical Archaeology Society This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
A code of practice will be provided by NAS.