Upcoming Events

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Saturday, April 26, 2025

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

Environmental Archaeology Dig Day

Join us for a day of archaeological fun!

Saturday, April 26, 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' names must be included in the sign up.

What to expect? 

No prior experience or training required! All training and materials will be provided at the start of the event. There are two sessions (a morning and afternoon), and we welcome to you stay as long as you would like. There is no pressure to stay for your whole time slot. 

The general activities depend on the weather. The dig day will be happening rain or shine, but we will keep an eye on the conditions and change activities accordingly if the weather does not look safe for outside activities. Regardless, close-toed shoes are required and we encourage you to dress comfortably, in layers that can get dirty.

  • If we are at the dig site, the terrain is uneven and activities include digging, sieving sediment, brushing or scraping the soil.
  • If we are inside, activities include a tour of the Woodlawn History Center and then washing/sorting/cataloging artifacts. 

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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