3D imaging to help with restoration efforts

Specialized technology scanned Fort Stanwix’s hearth, a unique archaeological feature of the fort.

ROME » Dr. Michael Rogers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ithaca College recently visited Fort Stanwix National Monument to perform a 3D scan of the hearth.

The hearth, a unique archaeological feature from the fort’s occupation, was excavated during the reconstruction of the fort and has been on display for visitors since the park opened in 1976. The only original element of the fort left in place, the hearth is a visitor favorite.

Rogers, a physicist and archaeologist, uses specialized technology to record historic buildings, search for archaeological features without excavation, and even 3D print scale buildings and objects. He has used this technology to scan Trim Castle in Ireland, in addition to a variety of historic homes and forts for the National Park Service.

The hearth at Fort Stanwix will be the first archeological feature to undergo this 3D technology. Rogers, project coordinator and Ithaca College alumnus Ryan Bouricius, along with current student Lexi Far- rington, utilized two handheld 3D scanning devices to capture the hearth at high resolution. This will allow for a detailed rendering of the feature and provide information for the park to make decisions regarding the hearth’s preservation.

“This project is exciting because modern laser technology is the only way to fully record this important feature in high detail without damaging it,” Rogers said. “Advances in online three dimensional rendering will also help us make this feature available for many more people to view it remotely, which we hope will inspire people to come see it in person.”

Keith Routley, Chief of Cultural Resources at Fort Stanwix National Monu- ment, also noted, “Fortytwo years on exhibit has led to deterioration of the feature and these high resolution scans capture intricate details about the hearth’s current condition. This information can be used to help the NPS make decisions regarding long-term preservation.”

The park plans to share the finalized scan on the NPS.gov and is considering other ways it may help visitors enjoy the site. Currently the hearth room, along with the rest of the north casemate, is undergoing rehabilitation and is closed to the public for the next several months. However, Behind the Scenes Collection Tours are available through Aug. 30 on Wednesdays and Thurs- days at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. These tours are a unique chance to learn about the archaeology, museum collection, and preservation at Fort Stanwix. Visitors can sign up at the front desk of the Visitor Center to secure their spot.

For more information, call the park at (315) 3387730 or visit www.nps.gov/ fost.

PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Dr. Michael Rogers and his crew from Ithaca College scan the historic hearth and process the images created by the scan.