Upcoming Events

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Saturday, February 22, 2025

All day
 
 
6am
 
 
7am
 
 
8am
 
 
9am
 
Environmental Archaeology Dig Day

Environmental Archaeology Dig Day

Join us for a day of archaeological fun!

Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 9:30am - 3:00pm
Event Location
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Advance Registration Required
Yes

Event Details

A group of people under pop-up tents against a backdrop of fields and forest shovel dirt into buckets and look through it using raised screens.

 

Who can participate? 

This is a family-friendly event and we welcome volunteers age 14+.

  • All volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.  
  • Volunteers younger than 14 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • All volunteers (including accompanying adults) must be included in the sign up.

What to expect? 

The general activities are fairly straightforward (such as digging, sieving sediment, washing and sorting artifacts), and training and materials will be provided. No prior experience or training required! 

The dig day will be happening rain or shine, but we will keep an eye on the temperature and change activities accordingly. If the weather does not look safe to work in outside, we will take a tour of the Woodlawn History Center and then process artifacts found on campus. Regardless, be sure to dress comfortable, wear layers, and wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Closed-toed shoes are required for all activities.

Please stay as long as you want for your slot! There is no pressure to stay the whole time.

Bathrooms: 

  • If we are at the dig site by the Java Ruins, there are two solar-powered porta potties that can be accessed down a relatively steep grassy hill.
  • If we are inside, there are single-, gender-neutral options as well as multi-stall options that are both wheel-chair accessible. 

Important notes

  • Specific directions and additional details will be sent via email two days before the date to those who sign-up.  
  • If you have any questions or access needs, please contact Rachael Mady (MadyR@si.edu), who is the SERC Participatory Science Coordinator. 

9:30am - 3:00pm
 
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