The New York State Museum houses numerous collections dealing with the archaeology of New York State and the northeast. These materials are irreplaceable and crucial to our understanding of the prehistory of the eastern United States. Collected systematically by prominent archaeologists, they are an important research resource both for the long sequence of occupation that they represent and for their regional character. Unfortunately, they have suffered because of past housing problems. The New York State Museum recently moved to new climate- controlled quarters. This project, part of a three stage program, will upgrade curatorial standards. The staff will inventory the collections, reorganize the way the objects are stored, and conduct a survey for conservation needs. They will also develop a computerized inventory. These procedures will help stop the deterioration of the collection and make the objects more accessible to researchers.
