Where can a 15 year old go to an archaeological dig?

Question

Hi! I was wondering if anyone knew about any digs that a 15 year old can get involved in? It can be anywhere in Europe or the USA. Please and thank you!

Answer 1

Go to the Earthwatch website.  They offer a number of oppotunities to participate in scientific expeditions worldwide including archaeology digs (I worked on one 5 years ago myself.)  You have to pay to participate but they offer a number of scholarships and sponsorships every year to high school students.  I believe their minimum age is 16 if you go by yourself but I think you can be younger if a parent or guardian also goes with you.  

Also check (as the previous write suggested) with any library or museum in your area to see if there is a local chapter of amateur archaeologists.  Pick up a copy of "Archaeology" magazine (most Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstores carry it) for other links to programs and interest groups.

Field work can be fun but it's also a lot of work (not like Indiana Jones, I'm afraid).  Imagine digging a three foot/one meter square hole in one inch layers with a hand trowel and a small paint brush for hours, day after day and drawing/photographing each tiny thing you find.  There are other activities involved (surveying, mapping, surface collecting, artifact processing, etc.), and the teamwork is always fun but you do need to be prepared for some serious, patient work.

Answer 2

well if you live in the U.S. you can go to Crow Canyon. heres the website. once you are in high school you can participate in their 3 week long field school where you get to participate in a dig. its totally worth it! its kinda costly, but i think you can apply for scholarships.

Answer 3

If all else fails, get a post hole digger and a spade, and you can start in your own backyard, for free!

You never know what you may find...

Answer 4

If you are really into archaeology and want to get a full experience www.archaeology.co.uk is really good for some reading and  www.ilovethepast.com/ can help you find some sites around Europe if that is an option for you.

Answer 5

C Kayak has a good idea. Also, a local university might have some leads you could follow up on.  Many universities have digs they work at. I happened to be in Itasca State Park (Minnesota) a few years ago where a university was digging up a pile of Bison bones that were slaughtered some 15,000 years ago. I said, 'I didn't know there were Bison in the forest'. A guy replied, "The forest wasn't here yet. It was still an ice age tundra."   Interesting.

Answer 6

The Forest Service operates "Passport in Time." This is a volunteer program in the National Forests. There's both summer and winter oppertunities

Answer 7

Your local museum & library will be only to glad to help you with this, so check them out first.