Some thoughts on the ongoing issue between @lincolncouncil and @LincolnshireCC regarding the archaeological collections:

1. Lincolnshire has a world-class archaeology collection, managed by world-class curators.

2. This material has helped the city and county grow culturally and economically through tourism. In a post-Covid world, it will become an even greater asset to the county's recovery and future growth.

3. The archaeological collections in Lincolnshire have also boosted peoples well-being, including their mental health. In a post-Covid world, it will be come an even greater asset to the rebuilding of communities and their sense of place.

4. It is in the public interest for the material to stay where it currently is. Likewise, it is in the interests of both LCC and CoLC for the material to stay local and accessible.

5. A fresh start is needed. Artefacts should not be used as political pawns. Dishonest tweeting needs to stop. We need to listen to the curators who work with the material day by day. They are the voices of reason who speak from experience.

6. Curators will tell you that splitting the archaeological collection is impossible without causing damage. Literally. There are some pots joined by sherds found in different years.

7. Likewise, some of the Type Series collections would need to be split down the middle. As far as I know, no external specialists have yet been consulted on this.

8. And then there is the issue of all the objects for which documentary evidence is missing or non-existent. Every museum has them. It would take many years of curatorial staff time to resolve the issues. The current deadline is simply unobtainable.

9. To close: archaeology should be something that unites us. It should draw our communities together. It should inspire and bring joy. A solution to the problem is easy. Talk. Ponder the vision. What do you want to achieve? What do you want for Lincolnshire?

10. P.S. if the split goes ahead, I am going to chain myself to one of the albino stuffed birds.