Scope of Collections | Acquisitions | Loans | Access
The research and collection goals of Alexandria Archaeology are centered upon the investigation, interpretation and preservation of historic and prehistoric sites within the current city limits of Alexandria, and of their related documentary and artifactual evidence. Alexandria Archaeology is responsible for the curation of archaeological materials which the City holds in title or trust. These materials, because of their important research value for the City and for the field of archaeology, should be preserved and protected in perpetuity as a resource and legacy for future generations.
Alexandria Archaeology is the official repository for all archaeological materials collected within the current City limits of Alexandria. Artifacts, biological remains and geological samples which comprise the collection are acquired primarily through excavation and survey conducted by the staff of Alexandria Archaeology. Donations will ordinarily consist of artifacts which have been collected by staff on private property or by professional archaeologists or institutions. Donations of artifacts resulting from chance finds or other excavation activities will be carefully considered by staff for their archaeological merit including relevance and importance to the history of Alexandria as well as the degree and quality of documentation. It is recognized that materials of historic interest but without archaeological context will be best collected by other programs within the Office of Historic Alexandria.
The City recognizes the importance of context with regard to archaeological materials, and will thus maintain and preserve field notes, catalogues, research data, reports and other supporting materials in perpetuity along with the artifact collections.
Donations of artifacts to the Alexandria Archaeology collection must meet the following criteria:
- Provenience: Objects must have been discovered in an archaeological context within the current City limits of Alexandria. The actual provenience must be made known by the collector or donor.
- Title: The donor must have free and clear title to the objects. (Normally, this means that the donor owns the land on which the artifacts were found.)
- Documentation: Materials will preferably derive from scientifically controlled and recorded excavations, and will be accessioned as a unit consisting of all materials collected on a site and with all related field notes, catalogues, reports, and other supporting documents.
Alexandria Archaeology may lend artifacts to museums, institutions or public facilities for the purpose of exhibition, and to institutions or individuals with institutional sponsorship for the purpose of research or education only when such research will directly benefit Alexandria Archaeology or the Office of Historic Alexandria.
The Alexandria Archaeology collection is the property of the City of Alexandria and held in public trust. The City encourages study of the collection and accompanying documentation by responsible scholars and will make every effort to accommodate research requests. Access to the collection is subject to restrictions required by the availability of staff to provide adequate supervision and resources. Access may be denied to parts of the collection put aside for exhibition or for active research by staff members. Records regarding the location of archaeological sites may be restricted in order to protect surviving sites.
- Scholarly and Professional Access: Students and scholars requesting access to the collection shall submit a proposal of their planned research project, including collections and data to be examined, objectives, publication information, proposed timetable and schedule of hours to be spent at Alexandria Archaeology. The Director of Alexandria Archaeology has the authority to allow access to the collection on the basis of the professional qualifications of the individual, feasibility and merit of the project, the applicability of the collection to the project, and/or the ability to provide adequate staff supervision and resources for the completion of the research.
- Public Access: Public access to the collections and resources of Alexandria Archaeology through exhibition and education programs may be supplemented by individual or group tours by appointment, at the discretion of the Director. Members of the public not engaged in approved research will not be permitted to handle artifacts in the collection without the permission of the Collections Manager.
