Expert: Ralph Salier - 7/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello! Could you please tell me how to find out about local archaeology digs in my area that would allow a "civilian" to participate?  Do universities allow non-students to participate in field work?  This is something my husband and I are interested in doing but I can't find much info...Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Mary,

In every state of the union and most of Canada there are amature or professional/amature organizations of archaeologists who do on occasion do field work.  Most combination organizations are "permitted" by the state they operate in thus lending legitamacy to their digs.   If you provide me with the state and city you reside in (or near), I would be more then happy to place you in contact with some one in that organization.  Then it is up to you to take the next step.

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Ralph!  We live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas area.  It certainly would be preferable to find a dig to participate in that wasn't overseas...I DID find websites to archaeological digs in the UK and Central America but that's just too far for us to go for our first experience!  Thank you so much for your kind offer to put us in contact with someone who may be able to give us some additional guidance!

Mary

Answer
Hi Mary,

Check out the website indicated below.

http://www.txarch.org/arch/regional.html#5

you are located in zone 3 and there are three groups in your area Dallas, Ft. Worth and Parker County.  Contact any one or all three and they can tell you what is going on in their jurisdictions.  

Good Luck.  Let me know how things work out.