Author Archives: Nikki E.

About Nikki E.

Nikki has a M.A. in historical archaeology from Boston University and a B.S. in geological sciences and history from Salem State University. Her areas of interest include historic ceramics, 17th and 18th century New England history, geoarchaeology, and American decorative arts.

Time for Some Spring Cleaning: Goffering Irons at Saratoga National Historical Park

Posted on May 1, 2013

While cataloging artifacts from the Schuyler House, part of Saratoga National Historical Park, we came across a strange looking, elongated metal rod.  After a bit of research, we realized that this artifact is the inner rod of a goffering iron. … Continue reading →

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Are You Sure That’s Not White Salt-Glazed Stoneware?

Posted on June 14, 2012

About a month ago, I started to write a blog post titled “Puzzling Over Puzzle Pieces” which would discuss the research we were doing on a few sherds of creamware with an unusual “scratch-blue” decoration (to learn more about eighteenth-century ceramics, check out our previous post Party … Continue reading →

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Archeology in the 21st Century

Posted on December 7, 2011

When most people think of archeology, they usually think of excavations and lab work.  But, there is another, lesser known facet of archeology that involves computers and above-ground, non-invasive technologies.  This past August, I attended a workshop offered by Brown University and the National Park … Continue reading →

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More Than Just A Witch City: A Look at Life in Salem, MA

Posted on October 25, 2011

The Narbonne House is a true treasure of Salem Maritime National Historic Site, but it is often overlooked by visitors. More modest than the Derby House, the Narbonne House, located on Essex Street in Salem, MA, was built in 1675.  Multiple … Continue reading →

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Party like it’s 1776: A Look at Eighteenth-Century Ceramics

Posted on July 1, 2011

With the 4th of July approaching, you are probably busy planning picnics, cookouts, and parties to celebrate the nation’s 235th birthday.  One thing these events all have in common is food.  Nowadays, disposable and reusable plates and plastic storage containers are common at … Continue reading →

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