Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/5/2007

Question
I was just wondering are there certification programs you can do to work as a low level archaeologist with out going to a University. I have always loved History and antiques. I'm 19 and for the last five years I have been into bottle digging and looking for arrow heads, buffalo skulls, and other objects. So I was just wondering if I could take it a step higher and become a certified amateur archaeologist and if you can work and get paid for it.

Answer
Hi Justin,

A number of states do have certification programs generally thru community colleges.  These are often run by professional archaeologists in search of workers.  These are sponsered by the office of the state archaeologist in most cases.  If you tell me what city and state you live in, I will direct you to the local chapter of the American Archaeological Society and they can then help you further.  I also want to discourage you from digging bottles and "digging for other stuff" since this kind of activity can destroy an archaeological site.  Be sure to be very meticulous about the sites you do visit and keep maps, the artifacts segagated by site and clear records of other areas searched.  This would be a good first step to gain credibility with professionals.  Buy yourself the book Archaeologist's handbook.