Archaeology of the Modern City

Archaeology of the Modern City

Databases

In order to undertake the assemblage and documentary analyses of the Exploring the Archaeology of the Modern City (EAMC) component of the project, it was necessary to develop two databases: the EAMC Archaeology Database and the People+Place Occupancy database. 

While both were developed for internal use, they have been made available in full with the primary aim of sharing the data recorded therein.

The EAMC Archaeology Database

The EAMC Archaeology Database is a customised relational database, created in Microsoft Access, and designed to store, display, search and analyse archaeological data. More than an artefact database, it aims to be an all-inclusive database and contains the following features:

• a detailed catalogue of artefacts
• a register of stratigraphic context data
• a register of type series data
• the capacity to hold multiple images of key artefacts
• in-built data definitions, and
• a range of tools to make the task of cataloguing assemblages more efficient.

It draws together, for the first time, artefact data from Sydney’s major urban excavations: the Cumberland and Gloucester Streets site, the Lilyvale site, the site of First Government House and Paddy’s Market.  These catalogues were prepared about a decade or more prior to the creation of the EAMC Project and we acknowledge the work of these artefacts specialists, led by Anne Bickford, Wendy Thorp and Godden Mackay Logan.  (For a full list of specialists, see the database guide).

Images

Over 5,000 images of artefacts are presently linked to the database.  While it is not possible to make available this complete archive online, a sample of images is included with the initial database installation.  A limited number of CDs containing all images is available free of charge.  To enquire about obtaining a copy, contact Professor Tim Murray (t.murray@latrobe.edu.au) and include your postal address.

Follow the link to download the EAMC Archaeology Database.

People+Place Occupancy Database
The People+Place database is a customised relational database, created in Microsoft Access, and designed to store, display, search and analyse historical occupancy data about Individuals and Buildings or Places in which they lived or worked. While its primary aim is to link archaeological assemblages with the houses, shops and pubs from which they were excavated and the people who lived and worked there, it also serves the needs of historians or heritage managers undertaking site-specific or neighbourhood research.

The People+Place database has three major features:

• It has the capacity to hold data from many different types of historical sources, encompassing Birth Certificates, Council Rates records, newspaper articles and manuscripts that mention a particular building, occupant or landlord.
• It records both this ‘raw’ data and summarised biographies about people and places, enabling future users to verify the information presented to them.
• It tracks filial and other relationships between individuals linked to the study area, including marriages, parents and siblings, business partnerships and friendships.

People+Place can be downloaded with the EAMC Archaeology Database or on its own.

Copyright

Both databases are copyright to the Industry Partners of the Exploring the Archaeology of the Modern City Project. Unauthorised copying or use of its contents or design is prohibited.  Potential users should contact Professor Tim Murray (t.murray@latrobe.edu.au) for information about how to obtain permission.

Disclaimer

While we have made all possible efforts to ensure the accuracy of the data contained in these databases, we cannot guarantee it. Users are strongly advised to carefully check the accuracy of any data drawn from these databases.

This database is designed for search purposes only and users store data in it at their own risk. We do not warrant the quality and efficiency of the database design with regard to data entry.

Download

Both the EAMC Archaeology Database and the People+Place Occupancy Database

People+Place Occupancy Database