Vashon Island Archaeology

A View from Burton Acres Shell Midden
Although the Burton Acres Shell Midden site had been the focus of preservation efforts, little was known about the site until a winter storm that caused severe erosion. This book continues that discovery process, presenting and explaining the data gleaned from the site and offering interpretations based on the various objects found at this place.

The Burton Acres Shell Midden site is located on Vashon Island in Puget Sound, at an advantageous spot for fishing and shellfishing. Although it had been the focus of preservation efforts, little was known about the contents of the site until a winter storm in 1995 caused severe erosion. In response, a collaborative effort between the Burke Museum, University of Washington, King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Vashon Park District, and McMurray Middle School resulted in a unique two-week public project involving 375 volunteers. Members of the public were invited to share in the discovery process, following archaeological protocol from excavation to artifact cataloging. This book continues that discovery process, presenting and explaining the data gleaned from the site and offering interpretations based on the various objects found that speak to people’s lives at this place.

Multiple perspectives on the history of Burton Acres Shell Midden express the collaborative nature of the project, with contributions by Puyallup tribal member Judy Wright, cultural anthropologist Llyn De Danaan, and several archaeologists including a summary by Julie Stein.

Vashon Island Archaeology describes the step-by-step guidelines developed for this public investigation, useful for other archaeologists involved in similar projects. It also provides insight into the careful and extensive planning required for such an endeavor. Finally, it demonstrates that a community that participates in the discovery of their local history gains a broad understanding of the importance of stewardship, preservation, and interpretation of cultural resources.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.