In the museum, chemical instrumentation can provide curators and archaeologists critical information on an artifact’s chemical composition and chronology. This information can be invaluable to authenticate and preserve an artifact while also allowing archaeological questions to be answered. An archaeological instrumentation course has been developed that links students to research and preservation efforts at Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology. Chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy are taught through engagement with current literature and paired laboratories in the museum. Laboratory experiences include authentication of donated artifacts by pXRF, pottery residue analysis by GC/MS, FTIR fiber analysis, and investigation of the hidden dangers of early museum preservation techniques by pXRF, FTIR, and wet chemical methods. These experiences provide students hands-on experience with real artifacts while connecting them with ongoing research and preservation efforts in the museum. The course highlights a department shift to teaching chemical instrumentation through topical modules and increased demand for instrumentation courses by majors outside the chemistry department including anthropology/archaeology, art history, and museum studies.

Applying chemical instrumentation in the museum

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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