Have you ever dreamed of participating in an Archeological excavation? If so, then an Archeological Vacation might be the vacation for you.
Programs are offered by several states during the summer months to train the average individual in excavation techniques, along with record keeping and surveying procedures. You do not have to be an expert in the field of Archeology to participate. Most people who attend these field workshops are interested in archeology or history but have never had the opportunity to explore this area.
Archeology is not limited to the study of things prehistoric-pertaining to
the time before recorded history. Historic archeology is another popular field
that deals with the not-so-distant past. Programs offered by the states listed
are for both prehistoric and historic Archeology.
Texas Archeological Society
The Texas Archeological Society sponsors an archeological excavation/field
school to train individuals in the proper techniques of excavating, recording
and the preservation of finds. Each year the dig is located in a different part
of the state during one of the summer months and lasts for eight days. During
the excavation/field school individuals stay in tents or RV’s that are located
close to the excavation site. The principle focus of the dig is for the average
individual to be able to participate in a professionally run archeological
excavation. Participants can choose from several different jobs at the dig:
Helping with the actual
excavating-Participants learn proper use of a trowel along with other
methods for excavating.
Help with surveying new
sites-Individuals learn the proper techniques needed to locate and
document new historic and prehistoric sites.
Individuals can help with lab
procedures-The cleaning and recording of artifacts such as pottery shards,
tools, ect.
The field school is held from 7am
to 1pm the rest of the day is free to
explore, rest, and attend workshops. Some of the workshops offered at the field
school are:
Flint
Knapping
Pottery making
An evening program is also offered that focuses on archeology and the
history of the area where the dig is taking place.