The overall objective of the partnership between MCBQ and VCU was to test and demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of available 3D scanning technology and software for potential employment in ensuring DOD compliance with historic preservation laws. 3D scanning technology enables the creation of digital topological models of Native American and historic-period artifacts that are virtually accessible anywhere in the world. The creation of 'virtual artifact collections" of 3D digital artifact models significantly enhances the curation, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological objects recovered from DoD installations. Collections from Maryland, Virginia, and other regional repositories were the subject of this effort. A NextEngine Desktop 3D scanner was used to create the digital models of archaeological objects. The scanner uses lasers to record topological (surface) attributes of an object. To fully test the capabilities and limitations of the NextEngine Desktop 3D scanner, a wide range of Native American and historic-period artifacts of varying material compositions, sizes, and shapes were scanned both in field and laboratory conditions, and at a wide variety of collections repositories.