Archaeology at Memorial
Archaeologists study past and contemporary human cultures, across a variety of spatial and temporal scales, through the material left behind. Our objects of study encompass artifacts (e.g. tools and other objects modified or created by humans), features (e.g. architectural remains, hearths, artistic depictions), ecofacts (e.g. plant, animal and human remains, as well as sediments), archaeological sites and their associated landscape settings.
In the Department of Archaeology, our students engage in practical training and experiential learning in classroom, laboratory and fieldwork settings that provide a comprehensive education and transferable skills. We have begun to develop and expand our distance learning options through the development of online courses and remote teaching offerings that allow students from all over the world and different walks of life to join and learn with us and discover different aspects of archaeology. State of the art laboratories specializing in applied archaeological sciences, environmental archaeology, archaeological conservation, and artifact analysis integrate students into community-university research initiatives from Northern Labrador to French Guiana and from Alaska to Northwest Europe.
As one of the largest Archaeology departments in the country, we train our students to become effective researchers, critical thinkers, and active stewards for our shared archaeological heritage.
News
Associate Professor Catherine Losier, with Dr. Gaëlle Dieulefet of Nantes Université, have co-edited a new book The Archaeology of Connectivity and Complementarity Reflected Through Salt, Cod, and Sugar.
The book examines the importance of salt, cod and sugar for trade networks, and the associated circulation and mobility of commodities and individuals, which connected the far-flung territories of the Atlantic World from the 16th century onwards. While these goods are traditionally associated with distinct regions of the Atlantic World, each with their own, diverse historical and social context, this volume presents them as a triptych through which to view the transnational impact they had. Topics range across the Atlantic from the importance of Caribbean and European saltpans for the processing of cod, the impact of codfish on Caribbean, South American and African foodways, and in return the uses of sugar and its by-products for provisioning trading ships and fishing fleets.
Warm congratulations to Dr. Losier and colleagues, including current and former graduate students, Chermaine Liew, Aubrey O'Toole and Mallory Champagne who contributed to the volume.
Two members of the Department of Archaeology were recognized in two different award initiatives by the University this past June: Dr. Lisa Rankin and Jared T. Hogan.
Dr. Lisa Rankin, Professor & Research Chair, was recognized in Memorial's ongoing campaign, The Centennial 100, as an Innovator for her extensive work with Inuit communities in Labrador and in the field of Indigenous Archaeology. Memorial's The Centennial 100 campaign marks the 100th year anniversary of Memorial University and recognizes and celebrates exceptional individuals who have contributed to the university in the last 100 years. Read more about The Centennial 100 and Lisa's amazing work by visiting the campaign's website.
Jared T. Hogan, PhD Candidate & Per Course Instructor, was recognized in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences 2025 Dean's Awards. He received the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence (Non-Tenure) for his work primarily in the Department of Archaeology, along with his work in Education, Sociology, and Anthropology at Memorial. This award recognizes excellence in teaching performance. Read more about the Dean's Awards by visiting the Faculty of HSS website.
Congratulations Lisa and Jared!
Congratulations to two Memorial Archaeology students, Jesse Reid and Zoe Helleiner, on winning awards for best student poster during the Poster Session at the 2025 CAA Annual Meeting in St. John's back in May 2025.
Jesse Reid won the Undergraduate Student Prize for their poster titled: Mapping the Little St. Lawrence Whaling Station
Zoe Helleiner won the Graduate Student Prized for their poster titled: Inuvialuit and Birds: A Holistic Look at Change and Continuity in the Archaeological Record
Congratulations Jesse and Zoe!