Since 2005, the QAR conservation staff has used x-ray technology to identify artifacts still encased in concretion.   X-radiography holds several advantages; it not only tells conservators which treatment procedures may be most effective, but it also helps them assign priorities and efficiently allocate resources to the hundreds of concretions awaiting conservation. Further, as successful conservation is never a certainty, x-raying concretions preserves images of the artifacts in the event the are not able to survive the conservation process.

The Adopt an Artifact Program is specifically designed to provide funding for this worthy, yet expensive, effort. Conservators use the funds to digitize existing x-ray films and to catalogue the resulting images in a database.  The eventual goal is to facilitate a more efficient x-ray analysis through the purchase a digital imaging system.

How Does it Work?

When you adopt an artifact, you will receive in the mail framed images (photo and x-ray) of your artifact, as well as information on where it was found and when it was recovered.  By having access to its unique QAR number, you are also able to inquire into its status and contents via email.  An ideal way to be personally connected to Blackbeard and Queen Anne's Revenge, adopted artifacts also make great gifts!

Eligible Artifacts

Shown below are the artifacts currently available for adoption.  When you decide which one you wish to adopt, be sure to take note of its QAR number.

(Click to enlarge)

Adopt