NO. 2 MISSOURI VALLEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM — WEDEL 5 



LABORATORY ACTIVITIES 



The project field office and laboratory for the Missouri River Basin 

 Survey are located in the Laboratory of Anthropology of the Uni- 

 versity of Nebraska, in the basement of Love Memorial Library. 

 Additional storage space for specimens, equipment, and vehicles has 

 been acquired at the Lincoln Municipal Airport. Selection of Lincoln 

 as the place for the project headquarters has proved generally satis- 

 factory ; and the quarters generously made available by the university 

 have been adequate, in general, for operations on the scale followed up 

 to the present. Laboratory space has also been provided by the 

 Nebraska State Historical Society. 



During the early part of the year, the organization of the basic 

 laboratory files was completed. These include site survey records, 

 prepared in triplicate and filed for laboratory use by State, county, 

 and reservoir, plus a reserve file. The basic site file at year's end 

 included 443 site folders, each including a survey sheet, site catalog of 

 artifacts and photographs, and other pertinent data. The reservoir 

 site file consisted of 25 volumes and the reserve file of 17. The map 

 file, which is rapidly being expanded, contains 566 reference maps of 

 various kinds and 269 aerial photographs. 



Drafting, map-making, and photographic work have gone forward 

 steadily, although reliance has been almost wholly on part-time 

 assistance. Three subbasin location maps, 62 individual reservoir 

 maps, and approximately 700 reproductions of survey maps, sketches, 

 and field-note diagrams have been prepared. Darkroom work includes 

 the processing of 927 negatives representing 210 sites from 7 States ; 

 and preparation of approximately 2,500 black-and-white prints to 

 illustrate reports and for other purposes. Kodachrome transparencies 

 to the number of 180 augment the photographic record of accom- 

 plishments to date. 



By the end of the calendar year, nearly 50,000 specimens had 

 been cleaned, cataloged, and stored. These represent 580 sites in 44 

 reservoir areas scattered over 7 States. Shortage of laboratory help 

 to conduct preliminary analysis, classification, and recording of speci- 

 mens before they go into storage poses a major problem. Lack of a 

 preparator for the proper handling and restoration, where feasible, 

 of outstanding specimens is another serious handicap. 



For the designation of archeological sites, and of specimens and 

 photographs therefrom, a relatively simple code system has been 

 adopted by the Missouri River Basin Survey. Site designations are 

 trinomial in character, consisting of symbols for State, county, and 

 site. The State is indicated by the first number, according to the 



