On August 13th and 14th, Dr

August 16, 2012

On August 13th and 14th, Dr. Bernard Means, of the Virtual Curation Unit at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), visited VMNH to conduct 3D scanning of a variety of materials. Dr. Means scanned several archaeological objects, including some bone tools and projectile points. He also tested the scanner's abilities with recent invertebrates and fossil fish bones. While in the archaeology lab, Dr. Means also demonstrated the MakerBot printer, producing several replicated artifacts. VMNH staff, local business leaders, and area educators were able to view the scanning and replication process and discuss how it could be used, not only to further VMNH's mission of research and education, but how the community could benefit from access to the technology. To learn more about the Virtual Curation Unit, visit http://vcuarchaeology3d.wordpress.com/.