USDA Forest Service Offers Opportunities To Help Archaeologists
By Carol Robinson
Ever wanted to "go on a dig" but didn’t think it possible without experience? Well I used to think that too. Then I found an advertisement wanting volunteers to help excavate various sites throughout the United States. Myself, along with my 13 year old niece, got our "feet wet" at a 6000-7000 year old site in Washington state.
"Passport in Time" (aka: PIT) is a wonderful program by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service that solicits help from the general public for various archaeological and historic preservation programs. Individuals work with professional archaeologists and historians on projects that need excavation, rock art restoration, survey, archaeological research, historic structure restoration, as well as other needs specific to the project.
Depending on the work needed, volunteers may not need any experience other than handling a shovel, drawing, hammering, digging through files, etc. Some projects even allow children to help. Each project has its own requirements, time allotment, and provisions. Because you would be volunteering your time, there is no fee to participate in this program.
For more information about "Passport in Time", you can access their website at http://www.passportintime.com.
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