 People
often ask archaeologists for help in locating an
archaeological excavation where they can pursue an interest
in archaeology or gain the experience that will be necessary
if they wish to become professional archaeologists. There is
good news and bad news. The good news is that there are a
great many archaeological projects, in most areas of the
world, that welcome volunteers and are happy to train the
next generation of archaeologists. The bad news is that
professional positions in archaeology are not easy to find.
Nevertheless the rewards are great.
There
are many ways to locate a site where you can work. You can begin in
your local library with magazines such as Archaeology,
Biblical
Archaeological Review
(check out their "Join a Dig" link), or Near
Eastern Archaeology (the
three that I know best but there are many others) and look for lists
of archaeological projects that welcome volunteers (the ASOR list is
more conveniently found here
rather than through the journal listed above). You can check the "web"
for archaeological projects that interest you and then contact the colleges,
universities, museums or associations that sponsor those projects to
inquire about participation. You might use a "search engine" and look
for such words as "archaeology" and "volunteer." Finally, you can use
the links provided below as a "jumping off" point to locate the right
"dig" for you. A final note: in most cases you should expect to pay
your own expenses. Few archaeological projects can afford to pay volunteers
for their work. Most depend on the labor of interested volunteers, although
a few offer some remuneration to those who bring necessary technical
skills to the project. Here, then, are some places to begin:
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