Expert: Ralph Salier - 5/21/2008

Question
osiyo/hello. Ralph i live in McCreary county Kentucky i was wondering if you can help me find out how i can volunteer to work on an archaeological dig here in Kentucky an if at all here in the county. WADO/thank you

Answer
Hi Chad,

I am not aware of any projects in the county that you could get to easily.  In most cases you would need to be at least 16 to volunteer on such a site because of insurance consideration.
Not knowing how old you are and what grade you are in does make things a bit more difficult.

Here are some people you can contact who may be able to direct you if there is a volunteer opportunity for you:

The McCreary County Museum in Streams 606-376-5730  They may know of something going on in the county.

The Kentucky Archaeological Survey: www.state.ky.us/agencies/khc/kas.htm  
Often they have digs going on in different parts of the state and they some times accept volunteers. You would need to contact them directly.

You can also contact Nancy O'Maley at 859-257-8208.  She was once the chief curator for museums in Kentucky and she may know of some activities taking place in or around the county.  And last, you may contact the state archaeologist, Dr. George Crothers at the U of Kentucky at Lexington either at the number above or his web address: gmcrot2@uky.edu.

He is a very busy person so I don't know how responsive he would be to your inquiry. But it can't hurt to try.  

You can also join www.shovelbums.com.  This is a web site for archaeologists and he lists a lot of field schools on the site. I don't recall seeing any in the county but there may be some with in Kentucky. At 16, you may be eligible for college credit but you would have to pay the tuition and housing expenses.