The Archaeology Project

The archaeological investigations were carried out in the summers 1999 and 2000. In 1999, many small “test” holes were excavated over the entire Funston Avenue Officers Quarters area and sensitive electronic equipment was used to locate possible deposits without digging. This work was carried out to identify places in the area that contain historic archaeological remains and to assist the Presidio Trust and National Park Service in understanding, protecting, preserving, and interpreting the Presidio's past.

The archaeological research in 2000 consisted of further investigating the places where remains were identified during the previous summer’s work. Larger exposures were opened in order to better understand the deposits and to get a clearer idea of the overall site. This work helped to clarify the results from previous study and opened new windows into the past to address questions about what life was like for people living at the Presidio over its long history — questions like: how did the earliest Presidio settlers organize their living areas and yard activities? What was life like for Civil War-era families living on a military base in an area that was urban, yet still on the frontier? How did people’s use of space at the Presidio change or stay the same with each successive occupation? And many more.

What happens to the artifacts?

After excavation, a great deal of work goes into cleaning, inventorying, analyzing, and interpreting the materials we recovered. The dirt from excavations is taken to our field lab. Materials are screened using water to wash away the dirt and clean any artifacts. Lab volunteers then sort the artifacts into categories (e.g. ceramics, glass, bone, and plant materials).

Sorted artifacts.

After initial cleaning and sorting, materials are temporarily transferred to U.C. Berkeley, where the artifacts are inventoried, catalogued, and analyzed. Final results will be used to help us understand, preserve, and educate others about the Presidio’s archaeological resources. They may also suggest new avenues for research. The materials are then curated by the National Park Service for future analysis, site planning, and public education.