"New Life for Archaeological Collections is both comprehensive and highly useful. In 18 chapters—including an introduction—the contributors question how to make collections accessible, discuss groundbreaking projects using existing collections, and describe new visions of a future for archaeological collections. This volume is a call to action to explore the possibilities that abound in existing collections."—Jenna Domeischel, Historical Archaeology
"New Life for Archaeological Collections is a major work. Both the editors and the many authors are to be congratulated for outlining an important and optimistic foundation for the future of archaeology through consideration of artifacts collected in the past."—Robert L. Schuyler, American Antiquity
"Though collections-based research is not a new concept for archaeologists, Allen and Ford’s edited volume breathes life into the discussions surrounding the curation and use of collections. . . . This volume offers insights that researchers and professionals will find beneficial to their work."—B. K. West, Choice
"New Life for Archaeological Collections makes a strong argument for storing, preserving, cataloging, and curating previously excavated materials as a core component of archaeology. . . . [New Life for Archaeological Collections is] an important work that will be beneficial to graduate students, researchers, and professional archaeologists."—Courtney Baron, ARLIS/NA Reviews
"This volume is an enlightening read that will benefit professionals of archaeology, preservation, history, as well as students looking to the future of archaeological research. New Life for Archaeological Collections praises the research potential of old collections as a way of preserving the past. It gently though persistently encourages archaeologists to research responsibly and include or even feature old collections when designing future projects."—Angela R. Collins, Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
"Essential reading for those working with archaeological (or cultural) collections, whether managing, curating, or researching. It not only helps to inform us how we can work with legacy collections now but also how to prepare new excavation material for the future. Most importantly, though, is that it demonstrates how working with these collections can bring new light and interpretations to the archaeological record and our understanding of the past."—Trisha Patton, Nebraska History
“This volume is on the cutting edge of conversations about collections-based research. In addition to bringing increased awareness to an important issue in the field, the volume contains chapters that address different issues related to the use of existing collections. Authored by a wide array of professionals, the chapters consider the ethics and practicalities of making archaeological collections accessible, using them for research, and relating them to broader publics.”—Lee Panich, associate professor of anthropology at Santa Clara University
“This is a timely subject of importance to the field. While collections-based research and outreach are not new, the growing discussion around the subject is new and has the potential to help others in their own work.”—Julia King, professor of anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland
