Digging the Dirt

Lest We Forget – Anzac Bay

Brigid Gallagher • Apr 25, 2011

• Anzac Bay,
• anzac day,
• archaeology,
• Bowentown,
• Cenotaphs,
• History

Outside it is raining.  On the television Anzac commemorations from around the country have been demonstrating that even with rain, people still want to remember our past servicemen and military events.  But it is the physical elements of our Anzac day celebrations that have set me thinking…and an article in our local paper, the Waihi Leader.  And then I thought I would … Read More

Time Capsules and the ‘Wow’ Factor

Brigid Gallagher • Apr 13, 2011

• archaeology,
• Christchurch,
• Time Capsules

The long awaited opening of not 1, but 3, Time Capsules were opened in Christchurch yesterday by mayor Bob Parker. So far only some of the contents have been described including a 1922 book on the history of Christchurch, some photographs, a plumbers label and various news paper clippings. No Hidden Treasures have been reported. As an … Read More

Christchurch Update…the demolition list

Brigid Gallagher • Apr 04, 2011

• archaeology,
• buildings,
• Christchurch,
• conservation,
• demolition,
• heritage

On Friday April 1, a list was released that announced the fate of 68 heritage buildings, amongst others.   Designated for demolition, partial demolition or to make safe, the names of recognisable buildings are visible.  Of the 68, 43 are to be demolished 9 are to be made safe 16 are to be partially demolished But what does this mean? … Read More

‘Criminal Minds’ Brings Archaeology into Mainstream News

Brigid Gallagher • Mar 30, 2011

• archaeology,
• conservation,
• pistol,
• Victoria Park

Great to see some archaeology on TVNZ news this last week article here and video here.  It did make me chuckle however.  Why is it that something interesting for its own sake, needs to be sensationalised with the word, murder….!?  Is it the case that the legacy of Indiana Jones and the like are still leading the medias … Read More

Time will Tell for the Timeball

Brigid Gallagher • Mar 23, 2011

• archaeology,
• Christchurch,
• conservation,
• heritage,
• History,
• Timeball Station

This week I have had the opportunity to go through photographs taken of the Lyttleton Timeball station in its current disabled state.  The photography was taken during the recording of the Station using high resolution digital photography, Total Station survey and 3D laser scanning, and reported here  As I looked at the photography taken by Raysan Al-Kubaisi, I was … Read More

What Archaeologists are doing in Christchurch – additions welcome!

Brigid Gallagher • Mar 19, 2011

• archaeology,
• Christchurch,
• conservation,
• heritage,
• History

I thought it would be interesting to review some of the activities that archaeologists and conservators have been involved in within Christchurch this past week.  This information has been collated from a variety of sources, if there is any misrepresentation or inaccuracies please let me know.  If there anything to add to this, it would be great to hear it. Read More

Talking Christchurch Heritage

Brigid Gallagher • Mar 10, 2011

• archaeology,
• heritage,
• History

Hurrah for Mary O’Keeffe!  I have just watched the Breakfast interview with Mary about heritage buildings in Christchurch. I have some how managed to miss it in amongst all of the other heritage hits available on the world wide web.  At last a member of the professional heritage community stepping forward to make comment and answer some … Read More

Have we got history, part II

Brigid Gallagher • Mar 06, 2011

• archaeology,
• conservation,
• History

Having enthusiastically started blogging with the title ‘Have we got history’ 2 weeks ago I was metaphorically knocked off my perch with the news of the Canterbury earthquake. I often wonder at the relative ‘luxurious’ nature of my profession as I scan the front section of the morning paper, and for the last 2 weeks, more than ever this is … Read More

Have we got history?

Brigid Gallagher • Feb 18, 2011

• archeology,
• conservation,
• History

A typical conversation at a party, bbq or cafe…. ‘An archaeologist? So, what are you doing back here then? We don’t have anything to dig up. We don’t have history. Wouldn’t you be better back over in the UK. Things are really old over there’. ‘Yes’, I say. ‘It is great in the UK, the Romans 2000 years ago, Iron Age Britain … Read More