My first archaeological experience with Colonial Williamsburg put me at the bottom of the James Shields’ tavern well. Armpit deep in muddy water, groping for artifacts 43 feet below the ground surface, it dawned on me that archaeology was going to present some unusual opportunities. And indeed, it has.
My colleagues and I are no strangers to privies (In fact, I’m quite certain that we’ve learned enough from John Brush’s privy to make the gunsmith blush). We have excavated animal burials of all varieties, and have carefully dissected the physical remains of catastrophic house fires. There are always new challenges, new sites, and new situations to uncover.
Last summer, Colonial Williamsburg’s archaeologists took on a wildly different challenge: introducing children to archaeology in a way that was simultaneously fun, archaeologically responsible, and fit within the itinerary of the typical visitor. The first part was easy. Kids, dirt, and trowels—what better combination is there? And who doesn’t like archaeology? Balancing professional priorities with the needs of vacationing families took a bit more thought, but in early June we launched “DIG! Kids, Dirt & Discovery,” a 50-minute, hands-on, excavation engaging 5 to 16 year olds in learning about the past.
Nearly 4,700 kids participated in DIG! last summer, and when we recently reopened for Spring Break, another 900 signed on. In case you weren’t among them, there’s another opportunity on the horizon. DIG! re-opens for its second season on May 31st. Still wondering if DIG! might work for you, your children, or your grandchildren? Here are a few things you might want to know.
#1 IT’S REAL
This is not a “mock” site, and no, we did not bury the artifacts! As often as we’ve said this, participants are still surprised. We are digging in an early 1700s cellar—the basement of Archibald Blair’s “Storehouse.” The site has been dug before, though, in the 1940s. At the time, a decision not to reconstruct the store resulted in the dirt and artifacts being tossed back in to the cellar. Technically we are “re-excavating” a site.
#2 LOVE SCREENS?
(We do, too!) Everyone expects to like digging the best, but screening (otherwise known as “sifting”) can be the most exciting part. Working in teams, we have recovered nails, window glass, clay marbles, a doll head, clay smoking pipes, animal teeth, pieces of plates, buttons, bottles from a 19th-century pharmacy, printer’s type, an iron… we’re always surprised by what turns up!
#3 IT’S NOT WHAT YOU FIND, IT’S WHAT YOU FIND OUT
So much of archaeology’s appeal lies in discovery, but discovery happens in all sorts of places. After screening, each group moves to shaded picnic tables to examine what’s been found throughout the day, and to talk about what we can learn by looking at it. DIG! is staffed by energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable archaeologists. So whether you are 5 or 95, this is the time to lean in! You are going to walk away knowing something new. Guaranteed.
#4 NOW, MORE DAYS TO CHOOSE FROM
This summer, DIG! is open on Saturdays. There are four daily sessions Monday through Saturday: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, and 1:30, each with 20 available spaces. You may get your free reservation at any Colonial Williamsburg ticket location. And if you prefer a less structured day, the 9:30 a.m. session does not require a reservation. You will still need to show your Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket, AND be among the first 20 kids in line.
#5 IT’S NOT OVER EVEN WHEN IT’S OVER
If DIG! got you excited about archaeology, be sure to return later in the day. DUG!, offered from 3-4:30 each afternoon, takes a closer look at what happens once artifacts are out of the ground. A rotating schedule of activities, from artifact-washing to ceramic-mending to visits from archaeological specialists (zooarchaeology, anyone?!), helps round out the picture of what archaeologists do. This is a free-flow event, and requires no reservation. And you never know who might stop by!
#6 IT’S WEATHER DEPENDENT!
Archaeologists don’t dig in the rain (and neither should you!). Not only can it damage the site, but the ground becomes slippery and dangerous quite quickly. Extreme heat can also result in cancellations. This year DIG! staff has set up a weather hotline that you can call (757-565-8582) to see if there have been any changes to the daily schedule.
#7 KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Even after you leave, you can check our webpage to keep up with what’s happening on the site (you and your discoveries might even be featured). You can also post pictures on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to use our hashtag #digCW.
Is this program available in August on weekends? I’d like to sign my kids up, but I don’t see any dates yet.
Hi Maura-
Yes, DIG! is open through August , including Saturdays . You may make your (free) reservation at any Colonial Williamsburg ticketing outlet on your arrival. Hope to see you there!
Hi, Meredith –
Remember me? The dig I participated in behind the then-titled Brush-Everard House was way back in 1988 – my best time ever in Colonial Williamsburg! But I’ve seen and met with you several times since then, the last time being two years ago on my last visit. (Hoping to be there again this October!) Do you remember my nephew Matthew? He and his wife have two little girls now and they’ll be visiting C.W. in late July. I’ve told Matthew about your incredible archaeology program for kids; I’ m sure that Annabelle (nearly 8 years old now) would find it fascinating and great fun. Have a great summer!
Barbara! Of course we remember you. Can’t wait to meet Annabelle. Please send her our way!
Meredith,
The late Don Dunklegerger and I spent a week with you working behind the Geo. Wythe house. Don and I thought that it was the best week of our lives. We brought our wives back many times and I remain a strong supporter of Williamsburg in large measure because of you. I have since taken my grandson on three digs at Revolutionary War sites here in SC.. Your influence spreads on!
I remember your little children coming to the site after school each day. I expect that they are grown now.
Thank you for all you do to keep the spirit alive.
Kip! I am so sad to hear you talk about “the late Don Dunkleberger”. You two were a dynamic duo! I have a wonderful picture of you in a cellar-turned -privy” behind the George Wythe house. You are sweaty, filthy,… and look like you’ve never been happier! Thank you for your reply to this blog!
Yes, pre-school aged children now in college and getting ready for college. Time does fly (and of course that’s why we need archaeologists!) You made my day. Thank you.
Meredith, Yes Don died two years ago from throat cancer. When he was six years old the doctors used radiation to shrink his tonsils It was a bad decision.
We buried him in his full 18th century costume in Somerville Ohio.
How fitting. Thank you for letting me know.
I’m really into following this blog since I learned about it during “Lamb Week” in April. I’ve learned a lot of things about the historic area that I otherwise might never have known. It’s especially fun reading blogs written by people I know, so it was great to read yours, Meredith!!!!!! Coming down next week, so see you soon!
Looking forward to seeing you, Joanne. You know where to find us…during “Archaeologist Week”!
No, I don’t. What and where is “Archaeologist Week”? Also, it was 20 years ago I dug behind the Armistead House with Mary Kate Garden. Yes, 20 years!!!! Can’t believe my sabbatical was that long ago.
Congratulations to you,Meredith, and your team at CW on the creation of a professionally lead and stewardship based archaeology education program! You are inspiring the future of our profession, just like you did for me over 20 years ago at the Grissell Hay excavation.
This, Emily, means everything! Thank you. And thank you for noticing the stewardship and professional leadership. We think it’s critical. I cannot believe that your participation in the Learning Weeks in Archaeology program was more than 20 years ago, though!!
I also can’t type!
Wow- I wish I was a kid!
Helene~ I won’t tell if you don’t tell!
Our trip with our grandchildren is scheduled in late September. When does this program ‘shut down’ for the winter?
Hi Bella~
DIG! as described above closes on September 2 to allow us to offer a somewhat expanded version of the program during Home Educators weeks in mid-September.
Oh Rats! Our reservations are for the last week in September.
Any chance of offering this without an Admissions pass but with a separate fee for this event?
Nicole,
This program is just one of the many perks of a Colonial Williamsburg admission…and it’s free once you’ve paid for your pass!
I have no problem with that – we have purchased passes many times (just can’t this year), I just thought in the future there may be an option.
Could a 17 year old participate if interested? Looks very interesting and fun.
Absolutely a 17 year old could participate! In fact, the older a participant is, the more she/he is likely to get out of the program..
Hi Meredith.
Missedyour archeology walk around town last fall. Would love a fall ADULT dig! That looks like so much fun. Great for kids! Hope the archeology walk comes back this fall.. please, at least the first half of Nov. Best Wishes. Hope they find something wonderful.
Karen~ Williamsburg Underground is scheduled to begin again in October. I look forward to seeing you there! And yes, I agree…adults should have a chance to get in on the fun. Perhaps that will be our next initiative!
If all goes well we will be there for 10 days, maybe Nov 1-10. Looking forward to signing up for a walk. No goodies for you to identify this year yet. I don’t think hubs tilled the garden deep enough! Those walks are always great, especially when this will be maybe our 50th visit over the years. I’ve lost count. I think its been at least once a year since 1957…. geez I’m OLD>