Get in Touch with your Inner Indiana Jones on an Archaeology Dig!
Most archaeology digs aren't nearly as exciting (or dangerous!) as Indiana Jones' projects.
But it's a facinating pursuit, and something you should try once in your life!
Archaeology is the study of pre-historic cultures (those that did not leave a written history to tell us about themselves). The bits of pottery and stone that are excavated tell a story of their own, once they are cataloged and analyzed. Volunteering on a dig is a way to be a part of that story, and to help put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Here are some opportunities to excavate the past:
Colorado
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
- Crow Canyon studies the Pueblo (Anasazi) Indians. They offer adult field schools in excavating their current sites, and in analyzing the artifacts in the lab (these are separate programs). They also offer archaeology-related tours in the Southwest U.S., Mexico, India, and Greece.
offers a 4-week intensive summer field school in excavation and laboratory analysis. Designed for students, it is open to all interested adults. The Center also has week-long programs in flintnapping and stone tools.
Worldwide
Archaeological Tours
- These tours do not include field schools, but they examine the ancient world through artifacts excavated and on display in museums or their original sites. Tours are led by archaeology scholars and feature in-depth discussions of the cultures studied.
Where Would You Like to Go Next?
Test your skills (or learn some new ones) with these other "Learning Vacations":