Nebraska History

UNL Campus Archaeology is a team project led by faculty, students, and alumni focused upon the analysis and reassessment of historic collections from excavations carried out on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus, USA. The project is using 3D modeling techniques, non-rigid registrations of historical maps in GIS (Geographical Information Systems), and interactive online platforms to explore Lincoln's early urban development. The goal is to develop an interactive online portal for public outreach and education incorporating state of the art methods of recording cultural heritage. The case study for this presentation is a former domestic cistern that was excavated in 1997 during the expansion of the UNL Student Union. This diverse archaeological collection is in excellent condition, with a variety of artifacts, including glass bottles, faunal remains, and ceramics. The artifacts are representative of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Lincoln homes before the area was redeveloped by the university. This archaeological collection offers insight into the social structure, domestic life, and trade patterns at the turn of the century. The project utilizes 3D models and photographs of artifacts, historical maps, and archival databases, disseminated through an intuitive and interactive online portal emphasizing public accessibility in Scalar, and the Omeka-based online repository for hosting the database information. Scalar is designed for a broad audience, consists of a non-linear narrative, and incorporates a wide variety of media and data formats, including 3D models. Omeka provides the Dublin Core standardized solution for digital databases, allowing visitors to explore the data more in-depth. The project serves as an online portal for public outreach and education, making archaeology an integral part of Lincoln's early history and the broader Great Plains region.