Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 9, 1994 TAG: 9408090103
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Except for those who see selected items in museum exhibits or make appointments to view the artifacts, few people know they exist.
``It's a shame,'' said Lysbeth Acuff, chief curator at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. ``The archaeological record of Virginia is fascinating ... These artifacts ought to be out where they can be seen.''
The 5 million objects span centuries. They include a Native American spear point dating to 10,000 B.C. and armor that the British gave the colonists in the 17th century. Modern items include original signs from Washington Dulles International Airport and an obelisk from a bridge being dismantled on U.S. 1 in Hanover County.
``It all tells a story of what life was like,'' Acuff said.
The artifacts are stored in row on row of cardboard boxes in the downtown Richmond warehouse with neither air conditioning nor humidity control. Acuff said the department hopes to acquire space to properly display and care for the artifacts.
Acuff said Virginia should note what other states have done. The Maryland Legislature recently appropriated $14 million for programs and facilities. The North Carolina Legislature has provided money for an archaeological museum, she said.
Virginia's Historical Resources Department is seeking state and private money to construct a museum, said State Archaeologist Catherine Slusser. She'd like to renovate an existing building, which she said would cost a fraction of the $12 to $14 million other states have spent on similar projects.
by CNB