James Donaldson

Current position

Manager/Curator, RD Milns Antiquities Museum, University of Queensland

Where did you study?

University of Queensland

How did you become interested in archaeology?

My interest came from studying ancient history at school, and a general interest in the past as a child. I’ve always been more interested in the material remains of the past than just studying ancient texts.

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

Documenting antiquities brought back to Australia by soldiers from the First World War. I’m also working on several exhibitions with the Antiquities Museum for 2020 and 2021, including one on the ancient Olympics, one on ancient robotics and one on fake coins!

Tell us about a funny / disastrous / amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology.

Digging a Roman site in Tuscany a few years ago I hurt my back scooping spoil out of a post hole and was laid up in bed for several days. When I finally got back on my feet I was in the lab washing sherds, but it turns out even that is quite painful with a bad back - luckily I enjoy the find analysis side of archaeology as much as the excavation!

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

Working in an Antiquities Museum I really enjoy researching the history of artefacts and collections: not just identifying artefacts (although I find that very enjoyable!) but also researching the many ways they ended up in Australia.

Follow up reading

Find out about the First World War Antiquities Project here: https://ww1antiquities.omeka.net/