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Archaeologist and dad breaking ground on coasts

I am a young Nova Scotian father and husband finalizing the written portion of my MA at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax with a degree completion date of September 2021. My thesis develops new and broadly applicable techniques to landscape geoarchaeology implemented within the research design and methodology of three case studies. Landscape geoarchaeology refers to the relationship and interaction of physical and cultural landscapes with geomorphological features.

My research pilots three techniques of varying scale applicable to archaeology and cultural resource management.

  • A site level monitoring & analysis technique examines how artifacts are redistributed along a 200 metre section of Minas Basin coastline by employing a lightweight machine learning technique to observe how artifact shape interacts with local coastal processes and geomorphology.
  • A place level archaeological prospection & monitoring technique marries indicators of past relative sea level to lidar data producing spatial boundaries visualizing the date of interfaces of former upland and coastal deposits.
  • A regional scale archaeological prospection & monitoring technique marries elevated marine limits and lidar data to model late Pleistocene coastal geomorphology throughout the upper Bay of Fundy.

Current Mission

Increasing rates of sea level rise are projected for the already sinking landmass of Nova Scotia. As the coast has long been enjoyed as a place of departure, landing, and living ― rising sea levels directly increase the risk damage to irreplaceable cultural heritage. Much information is lost when cultural heritage meets the sea, but my findings suggest that a wealth of pertinent information can be gained by examining the landscape geoarchaeology of coastal areas.

My current mission is to protect, present, document, and inform management practices of coastal cultural resources by integrating my skills and understanding of archaeology, coastal geomorphology, photogrammetry, and computer programming.

Curriculum Vitae

2019 ─ present

MA Geography (Archaeology), Saint Mary’s University
Thesis: Where’d the Coast Go? Geoarchaeological explorations of upper Bay of Fundy coastal histories in Nova Scotia
Supervised by: Dr. Danika van Proosdij & Dr. Jonathan Fowler
Awards: Nova Scotia Museum grant for Archaeology, 2020-21.


2014 ─ 2017

BA Anthropology (Archaeology), Saint Mary’s University
Awards: Nova Scotia Archaeology Society ─ 2017/2018 John Harvey Award for outstanding undergraduate article
Article: Applications of LiDAR in Archaeology: Case Studies in Landscape Archaeology


Summer 2017

Explore immersion program, Université de Montréal

Present

Project: Where’d the Coast Go? Geoarchaeological explorations of upper Bay of Fundy coastal histories in Nova Scotia
Role: Primary investigator
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Mission: Broaden knowledgebase of relations between archaeological sites and coastal geomorphology (past, present, and future) in the upper Bay of Fundy for evaluation of integrity and heritage value of archaeological sites by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing data obtained through field, laboratory, and archival research

Output: Development of novel research designs and methodologies supporting condition and impact assessments of heritage resources in Nova Scotia’s upper Bay of Fundy achieved through investigating interactions of coastal heritage resources with coastal processes and geomorphology


2020

Project: Grand Pré Marsh (NS008) Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment
Role: Co-investigator
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Mission: Incorporate archaeological and heritage resource evaluations in coastal climate change adaptation strategy planning at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Pré by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing data obtained through field, laboratory, and archival research to develop mitigation measures, as well as research designs and methodology supporting the conservation of heritage value
Output: Design and implementation of a research methodology providing an all encompassing review and evaluation of archaeological site and cultural landscape heritage value relating to the UNESCO World Heritage site, landscape and viewscape of Grand Pré. Recommendations provided to management for developing future statements of work/terms of reference for contracting archaeological services for historical or pre-contact archaeology under various engineering design scenarios


2019

Project: Starrs Point Remote Sensing and Excavations
Role: Archaeological Educator
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Project: Dentiballis Marsh (NS013) and Queen Anne Marsh (NS004) Phase 1 Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment.
Role: Co-investigator
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Mission: Incorporate archaeological and heritage resource evaluations in coastal climate change adaptation strategy planning at the Dentiballis & Queen Anne marshes adjacent to Port Royal National Historic Site by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing data obtained through field, laboratory, and archival research to develop mitigation measures, as well as research designs and methodology supporting the conservation of heritage value
Output: Design and implementation of a research methodology providing an all encompassing review and evaluation of archaeological site and cultural landscape heritage value relating to the landscape surrounding the Port Royal habitation. Recommendations provided to management for developing future statements of work/terms of reference for contracting archaeological services for historical or pre-contact archaeology under various engineering design scenarios

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Project: St. Mary’s Bay Marsh (NS052) Phase 1 Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment.
Role: Co-investigator
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Mission: Incorporate archaeological and heritage resource evaluations in coastal climate change adaptation strategy planning on the landscape at and surrounding the head of St. Mary's Bay by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing data obtained through field, laboratory, and archival research to develop mitigation measures, as well as research designs and methodology supporting the conservation of heritage value
Output: Design and implementation of a research methodology providing an all encompassing review and evaluation of archaeological site and cultural landscape heritage value relating to the landscape at and surrounding the head of St. Mary's Bay. Recommendations provided to management for developing future statements of work/terms of reference for contracting archaeological services for historical or pre-contact archaeology under various engineering design scenarios

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Project: Noel Shore Marsh (NS024) Phase 1 Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment.
Role: Co-investigator
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Mission: Incorporate archaeological and heritage resource evaluations in coastal climate change adaptation strategy planning on the landscape at and surrounding the marshes along the west of Noel Bay by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing data obtained through field, laboratory, and archival research to develop mitigation measures, as well as research designs and methodology supporting the conservation of heritage value
Output: Design and implementation of a research methodology providing an all encompassing review and evaluation of archaeological site and cultural landscape heritage value relating to the landscape at and surrounding the marshes along the west of Noel Bay. Recommendations provided to management for developing future statements of work/terms of reference for contracting archaeological services for historical or pre-contact archaeology under various engineering design scenarios

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Project: Fort Saint Louis — Port La Tour Community Archaeology
Role: Archaeological photogrammetrist
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Mission: Collect and photogrammetrically process imagery collected at the archaeological site, and National Historic Site of Fort Saint Louis at Port La Tour with a remotely piloted aircraft system and DSLR camera tied to high accuracy, sub-centimetre ground control points after field excavations were completed
Output: High resolution digital data products including site level orthomosaic (2cm/pixel) and digital surface model (3cm/pixel). 3D models of all completed excavation units and beachfront aboiteau at sub-millimetre resolution. Geospatial mapping products supporting future work in evaluating heritage value, or protecting, documenting, and presenting the archaeological and heritage resources at and surrounding Fort Saint Louis National Historic Site


2018

Project: Converse Marsh (NS044) Phase 2 Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment
Role: Co-investigator
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Project: Fort Saint Louis — Port La Tour Community Archaeology
Role: Archaeological counsel
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Mission: Facilitate high-quality community archaeological experiences for participants at the complex, multi-component archaeological complex and National Historic Site of Fort Saint Louis at Port La Tour. Counsel participants about the value of, and in archaeological practice and documentation to mitigate impacts to heritage resources, and inform historical narratives
Output: Community-led, public archaeology experience enduing in participants an increased social and personal value of the important archaeological and heritage resources at and surrounding Fort Saint Louis National Historic Site

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Project: Old Burying Ground Survey
Role: Archaeological photogrammetrist & Geospatial data analyst
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Mission: Develop and implement research and survey design aimed at conserving heritage value allowing for rapid extraction, digital analysis, and synthesizing field survey data, photogrammetric 3D models, and historical photography for planning, preservation, outreach, and research.
Output: High accuracy digital data and mapping of over 1200 grave markers within Halifax's Old Burying Ground with select 3D models


2017

Project: Fort St. Louis — Port La Tour Mapping
Role: Archaeological photogrammetrist
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Mission: Initial collection of aerial imagery at the complex, multi-component archaeological complex and National Historic Site of Fort Saint Louis at Port La Tour with leaf-off conditions in the forested areas
Output: Orthomosaic and digital surface model of the National Historic Site of Fort Saint Louis at Port La Tour for evaluating proof of concept in value of high resolution photogrammetric aerial mapping of archaeological sites.

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Project: Halifax Methodist Cemetery Excavation
Role: Junior Archaeologist
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Mission: Complete excavation of an early colonial cemetery in downtown Halifax as part of a mitigation strategy to avoid unnecessary impacts to burials
Output: Mitigation of potential impacts to burial sites, and reburial within the Methodist church crypt


2016

Project: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site Excavations
Role: Archaeological technician
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Project: Mission Saint Anne Research Geophysical Survey & Excavations
Role: Archaeological technician
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Mission: Archaeological prospection to non-invasively map and locate the early French, and Indigenous Saint Anne mission site using combined magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity survey data collected with an EM38b. Analyze field data, and extract features to locate the site using ground truthing excavations aimed at conserving heritage value of the yet unrecognized site.
Output: Mapping of the survey showing multiple potential locations for the early Saint Anne mission site. Ground truthing excavations of two locales revealed evidence of previously unknown 19th century occupations within two areas.


2015

Project: Grand Pré National Historic Site Research Excavations
Role: Archaeological technician
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Mission: Excavation of Acadian domestic structures and church footprint within the National Historic Site.
Output:

Weatherbee, Wesley. 2021.

Digital Archaeology in Nova Scotia: Methods and Applications from Nova Scotia. Ongoing personal blog. https://www.digitalarchns.com/


Fowler, Jonathan, and Wesley Weatherbee, 2020.

Grand-Pré Marsh (NS008) Phase 1 Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment.
Manuscript Report No. CBWES Report No. 33. Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage.


Fowler, Jonathan, and Wesley Weatherbee. 2019.
Dentiballis Marsh (NS013) and Queen Anne Marsh
(NS004) Phase 1 Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment.
Manuscript Report: Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage.


Fowler, Jonathan, and Wesley Weatherbee. 2019.
St. Mary’s Bay Marsh (NS052) Phase 1 Archaeological
Resource Impact Assessment.
Manuscript Report: Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage.


Fowler, Jonathan, and Wesley Weatherbee. 2019.
Noel Shore Marsh (NS024) Phase 1 Archaeological
Resource Impact Assessment.
Manuscript Report: Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage.


Weatherbee, Wesley. 2019.
"Applications of LiDAR in Archaeology: Case Studies in Landscape Archaeology." Nova Scotia Archaeology Society Newsletter. Vol. 2, Fall 2019.


Weatherbee, Wesley. 2018.
Remote Site Prospection at Fort Belcher: Report on 2018 Testing at Fort Belcher. Manuscript Report: Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage.


Fowler, Jonathan, Vanessa Smith, and Wesley Weatherbee. 2018.
“Modern Archaeology Meets Halifax’s Old Burying Ground.” Society for Historical Archaeology Newsletter. Vol. 51: No. 4. p. 16-18.


Higdon, John and Wesley Weatherbee. 2018.
“Archaeology in the Torngats Mountains National Park and the Ramah Bay Mission Site (231A).” 2017 Provincial Archaeology Office Annual Review. Vol. 16, p. 141-50.


Archaeological Research Associate
TransCoastal Adaptations / Saint Mary's Univerisity / 2018 ─ Present

  • Incorporate evaluations of archaeological and heritage value in coastal climate change adaptation strategy planning at multiple significant heritage landscapes within the Bay of Fundy by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing data obtained through field, laboratory, and archival research to develop recommended mitigation measures supporting the conservation of heritage value within each landscape.
  • Support adaptive heritage management in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment through communication and recommendations to academic, private, and public sector management about issues related to archaeological work.
  • Design and implement research methodologies providing an all encompassing review and evaluation of archaeological site and cultural landscape heritage value across multiple significant former salt marsh landscapes in the Bay of Fundy.
  • Provide recommendations to management for developing future statements of work/terms of reference for contracting archaeological services for historical or pre-contact archaeology under various engineering design scenarios.

Archaeological Program Assistant
Department of Anthropology / Saint Mary’s University / June 2019 ─ September 2020

  • Provide support to the archaeology program through lab tutorials and field assistance.
  • Archival research for ongoing archaeological research projects.
  • Cataloguing field and archival data for accessibility in a digital format.
  • Creating maps, visuals and written content for reports and publications.

Archaeological Field Technician
Parks Canada / Nova Scotia, Labrador, Nunavut / 2017 ─ 2018

  • Support for the terrestrial archaeological unit of Parks Canada with fieldwork in Nova Scotia, Labrador, and Nunavut.
  • Community led excavation and photogrammetric documentation of a multi-component domestic site in Sirmilik National Park slumping to the sea from melting permafrost.
  • Archaeological and aerial photogrammetry survey at Ramah Bay Mission and proposed satellite camps throughout Torngat Mountains National Park providing baseline data for conserving heritage value, improving visitor experience, and communicating archaeological work to management.
  • Extracting, analyzing and synthesizing data obtained through field and laboratory research for production of visualizations and database entry.

Junior Archaeologist
Davis MacIntyre & Associates Ltd. / Halifax, Nova Scotia / August 2016 ─ February 2017

  • Excavation of a multi-phase early colonial cemetery, Halifax, NS.

Archaeological Field Technician
Boreas Heritage Consulting Inc. / Halifax, Nova Scotia / June 2016 ─ September 2016

  • Excavations throughout the grounds of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

2017 ─ present

TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions ─ Research Associate
Coastal adaptation research centre.
https://www.transcoastaladaptations.com/


2018 ─ present

Nova Scotia Archaeology Society Board of Directors
Public society. 
https://www.nsarchaeology.com/


2018 ─ present

International Society for Archaeological Prospection ─ Member
Public society.
http://www.archprospection.org/


2018 ─ present

Canadian Archaeological Association ─ Member
Public society.
https://canadianarchaeology.com/


Presentations & Interviews




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