Revisiting the Port of Brunswick : A Research Design for the Waterfront of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, Winnabow, North Carolina

Abstract

Since the fall of 2010, a series of colonial period wharves and other features have been revealed as a result of erosion along the banks of the Cape Fear River at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in Winnabow, North Carolina. These features have produced a considerable quantity of artifacts, but no formalized conservation plan has yet been developed for this area of the site. This proposed plan discusses the role of conservation at all stages of the archaeological processes, but focuses on the conservation needs of artifacts following excavation. Treatments for wood, ceramics, glass, leather, and textiles are discussed, as these are the major material types recovered along Brunswick's waterfront. The treatment of a knit cap and two leather shoes are discussed in detail as three case studies for the application of this conservation plan. The treatment options discussed will provide a possible course of action for the treatment of artifacts from this site, as well as similar sites elsewhere in the United States and abroad.