Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities in the Southeast to volunteer at a dig and experience archaeology firsthand. If you don't see anything that interests you here contact your local museum or historic foundation.
State Amateur Organizations
Archaeological Society of South Carolina (ASSC)
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Hilton Head Chapter- Hilton Head SC David Gordon, President dsgordon@hargray.net
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Foothills Chapter- Spartanburg area SC, Tom Putnam, President rcputnam@icloud.com
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North Carolina Archaeological Society (NCAS)
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Coastal Plain Chapter- Greenville NC, Phelps Archaeological Laboratory, East Carolina University (252-328-6095)
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Tarheel Chapter- Burlington NC deer.hunter@mailcity.com
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The Society for Georgia Archaeology (SGA)
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Augusta Archaeological Society- Augusta GA, Donna Hope, Secretary hopedonna49@yahoo.com
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Blue Ridge Archaeology Guild (BRAG)- Dahlonega GA area, Tony Shore, President ts7754@bellsouth.net
Coastal Georgia Archaeological Society- Savannah GA, Mail inquiries to Coastal Georgia Archaeological Society c/o Chica Arndt 1253 Little Neck Road Savannah, GA 31419.
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Golden Isles Archaeological Society- St. Simon's Island GA, Jamice Meschke, President jdmeschke@comcast.net
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Greater Atlanta Archaeological Society- Atlanta GA, John Mayes, President johnm@baamech.com
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Gwinnett Archaeological Society- Dacula GA area, Delana Gilmore, President dgilmore@wordsmithquill.com
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Northwest Georgia Archaeological Society- Dallas GA, Mail inquiries to Northwest Georgia Archaeological Society c/o Jack Walker 452 Benson Road Dallas, GA 30132.
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Ocmulgee Archaeological Society- Macon GA, John McBride, President jmcbride.ga@gmail.com
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The Archaeological Society of Virginia (ASV)
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Banshee Reeks Chapter- Leesburg VA area, Marion Contante, Chair asvbansheereeks@gmail.com
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Blue Ridge Plateau Chapter- Rocky Mount VA, David E. Rotenizer, Chair dirtman100@hotmail.com
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Colonel Howard MacCord Chapter- Ruther Glen VA, Len Basiol, Chair len.blasiol@gmail.com
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Historic Triangle Chapter- Williamsburg VA, Forrest Morgan, Chair Lex227@aol.com
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Eastern Shore Chapter- Richmond VA, Edward Otter, Chair eotter20@comcast.net
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Maritime Heritage Chapter- Williamsburg VA ( Underwater), John Broadwater, Chair 757-645-7836
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Middle Peninsula Chapter- Gloucester VA, Thane Harpole, Chair thane@fairfieldfoundation.org
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Massanutten Chapter- Bridgewater VA, Cindy Schroer, Chair cschroer@augusta.k12.va.us
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Nansemond Chapter- Chesapeake VA, Wayne Edwards, Chair wayne.edwards@charter.net
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Northern Shenandoah Chapter- Stephens City VA, Mike Kehoe, Chair (540) 465 4185
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New River Chapter- Blacksburg VA area, Joey Moldenhauer, Chair contact Laura Wedin, Webmaster lwedin@vt.edu
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Northern Virginia Chapter- Fairfax VA, Richard Eilers, Chair eilersrl1@aol.com
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Patrick Henry Chapter- Martinsville VA, Elizabeth Moore, Chair Elizabeth.moore@vmnh.virginia.gov
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Peter Francisco Chapter- Farmville VA (Longwood University), Brian D. Bates, Chair batesbd@longwood.edu
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Roanoke Area Chapter- Roanoke VA, Chris Parker, Chair clp5150@comcast.net
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Upper James River Chapter- Lexington VA (Washington & Lee University), Hannah Short, Chair caledonia1984@gmail.com
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Wolf Hills Chapter- Bristol VA, May K. Tabor, mtabor.1939@gmail.com
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These are state sanctioned archaeology programs designed to educate the public and help to interpret and preserve each state's prehistory and history. These non-profits offer opportunities to dig or work in the lab, provide outreach for archaeology month (October) and some even provide amateur certifications.
Volunteer Excavation Opportunities
Berry Site Field School at Fort San Juan- Morganton NC, (Warren Wilson College, University of Michigan, Tulane University) June 3, 2019 - June 28, 2019. Ongoing research of Fort San Juan, a 16th century Spanish fort. for more information click here.
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James Madison's Montpelier- Orange VA (Private Foundation) Montpelier offers expedition programs in specific aspects of archaeological research including metal detecting, excavations, and lab work. Montpelier will also be offering a month long field school in 2019 from June to July and paid internships for students. If you live close, you can also volunteer.
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Fairfield Plantation- Gloucester VA (Fairfield Foundation) Fairfield Plantation was the home of the Burwell family who built the house at the close of the 17th century. Archaeology has been ongoing at the plantation since 2000 and was my first archaeological dig back in 2007. Today, the foundation is involved in research all around the middle peninsula and functions primarily through volunteer support. They offer many opportunities including lab nights every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. They also offer summer internships for students. To see Fairfield's full events calendar (including public excavations) click here.
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DIG! Kids Dirt and Discovery program- Williamsburg VA (Colonial Williamsburg) Ages 4-15. The DIG! program at Colonial Williamsburg offers kids the opportunity to get involved with ongoing archaeological research at Colonial Williamsburg. The 55 minute program is offered four times a day to Colonial Williamsburg pass-holders Monday-Saturday (weather providing) from late May through early September in 2019. The DUG! program offered in the afternoons features kid friendly activities such as artifact identification, demonstrations, and games for all ages. For more information click here.
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