Distillations | Science History Institute

Where can you find a teacup, the molar of a goat, and an arrowhead all in one place? At an urban archaeology site, that’s where. This episode of Distillations goes underground, and reveals the fascinating worlds beneath our city shoes.

First, we visit an artifact processing lab where volunteers are dusting off thousands of objects from a historic street in Philadelphia. Then we stop in on an excavation site alongside Interstate 95.

Then, we'll talk to Doug Mooney, a senior archaeologist at URS corporation and the president of the Philadelphia Archaeological Forum, and Deirdre Kelleher, an archaeologist finishing her doctorate at Temple University. They describe their experiences with public archaeology, debunk a few of the field’s myths (no dinosaurs here, folks) and describe the unique process of digging in cities.

SHOW CLOCK:

00:03 Introduction

01:05 After the dig: Artifact processing at Temple University

05:40 During the dig: Uncovering history along I-95

09:41 Interview with Deirdre Kelleher and Doug Mooney

CREDITS:

Hosts: Michal Meyer and Bob Kenworthy

Guests: Deirdre Kelleher and Doug Mooney

Reporter, Producer & Editor: Mariel Carr

MUSIC:

 “Quirky Sleuth” Philip Guyler, Audio Network

“Actual Reality” Lucky Dragons  

“Nature Kid” Podington Bear 

“Hallon” Christian Bjoerklund 

“What Is Its Vessel?” Dave Merson Hess 

“Fisherman” Dave Merson Hess 

“I Like Dogs” Dave Merson Hess 

“Dream” (instrumental) Chan Wai Fat 

“The Bear’s Just for Show” Krackatoa

“Healing Sleep” Infinite Third 

“Orange Juice” Podington Bear 

“Starling” Podington Bear 

 All songs courtesy of the Free Music Archive, freemusicarchive.org

Check out Distillations magazine at distillations.org, where you'll find articles, videos, and our podcast.