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.
