Licensed Archaeological Consulting
Protecting Ontario's
Cultural Heritage
Professional, accurate, and responsive archaeological assessment services for developers, municipalities, and private clients throughout Eastern Ontario.
Who We Are
Abacus Archaeological Services
Abacus Archaeological Services is a professionally licensed archaeological consultancy that aims to provide high quality services for all cultural heritage needs. At Abacus we strive to provide efficient, accurate and responsive assessment services from beginning to end, enabling all involved in the development process to reach their desired goals as well as share in and protect our valuable cultural heritage.
Michael Berry, PhD — Principal Archaeologist
Abacus is owned and operated by professionally licensed archaeologist Michael Berry, who brings more than ten years of professional experience to the field of cultural heritage management. As a local resident, born and raised in the Kingston area, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in the history of the city and surrounding region.
Michael holds an undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Masters Degree in Archaeology & Heritage from the University of Leicester, and a PhD from the University of York, UK, where his doctoral work focused on practices of field excavation and analysis. He founded Abacus Archaeological Services in 2009 to continue his work in heritage management in Eastern Ontario.
What We Do
Our Services
From Stages 1 through 4 assessments to specialized survey and analysis, Abacus delivers on time and on budget.
Private Consultancy
Often during the development process, local municipalities and planning authorities require an archaeological assessment — from severances to re-zoning amendments. Abacus can provide Stages 1 through 4 assessments, master plans, heritage buildings survey, burial excavation, and heritage impact assessments.
Archaeological Support Services
In addition to private consultancy, Abacus offers professional support for a range of archaeological activities. If your organisation requires experienced and skilled services, consider Abacus for a responsive, professional partnership.
Archaeological Survey
Supported by the latest Trimble surveying equipment, GIS and CAD software, Abacus can provide topographic site survey, excavation surveys with 3D artifact planning and spatial analysis, as-built surveys, and full digital documentation of heritage buildings and architectural details.
Soil Flotation & Artifact Analysis
As required by the MCM Standards and Guidelines, soil flotation is an essential part of site data analysis. Abacus provides efficient flotation and soil sorting services, as well as complete artifact analysis — taking data from the field to the desktop.
The Process
Archaeological Framework in Ontario
The Ontario Heritage Act and many municipalities require that an archaeological assessment be conducted as part of the development process. All work is completed in compliance with Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (MCM) standards by a professionally licensed archaeologist.
Background Assessment
A review of available historical and archival records, the archaeological sites database, geography, and land use history to determine if archaeological potential exists on the property.
Property Assessment
A field survey to identify all archaeological resources that may be present — either walking a ploughed field for surface artifacts or test pit surveys of unploughable areas at regular intervals.
Site-Specific Assessment
A detailed assessment to determine the spatial extent of identified archaeological sites, evaluate their cultural heritage value, and where necessary recommend Stage 4 mitigation strategies.
Archaeological Excavation
A full archaeological excavation and mitigation of impact areas to document the site and recover artifacts before construction begins, preserving the record for future generations.
Our Work
Selected Projects
A selection of completed assessments in Eastern Ontario. If you have any questions about our project work, please contact Michael Berry directly.
Historic Period Homestead, Westbrook
A Stage 1, 2 and 3 assessment near the historic village of Westbrook. Stage 2 identified a historic period artifact cluster representative of a mid-19th century Euro-Canadian homestead occupation. Stage 3 excavations recovered architectural material, decorated ceramics, table glass, and a child's toy teacup fragment — supporting a short-lived, single-generation occupation by the Hatch family between 1841 and 1865.
Burial Assessment, Collins Bay
A burial assessment and re-deposition conducted in Collins Bay, Kingston. Discovered accidentally during basement renovation work, the remains of a young adult Euro-Canadian female were exposed. Burial finds included a silver sixpence from the latter reign of George III. The body was treated with care and respect and reinterred in a local cemetery. The village of Collins Bay traces its Loyalist roots to 1784.
Historic Period Farmstead, Madoc
A Stage 1, 2 and 3 assessment within the Village of Madoc identifying a mid to late 19th century Euro-Canadian homestead, including an intact limestone foundation and cellar. Notable finds included a small pair of brass reading glasses, glass marbles, and a leather heel from a child's shoe — consistent with archival records of the Mikulski family, known to have raised six children at the property.
Kepler Road, Kingston
A Stage 1 and 2 assessment of a former agricultural parcel in the small village settlement of Kepler, near Loughborough Lake. The property was settled by a prominent UEL family, the Powleys, as early as 1802. The village featured a post office, a log-framed schoolhouse replaced in 1860, and a red brick Methodist Episcopal church built in 1878. Stage 2 fieldwalking revealed no finds.
Get In Touch
Contact Us
Booking & Inquiries
Whether you need an assessment for a development project, a heritage buildings survey, or have a general question about archaeological requirements in Ontario, we're here to help.
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