 My
Summer as an Archaeologist
by Kate Swanson
Since I was in second grade, I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist.
Growing up, I participated in every field day, archaeological event,
and dig I could. This past summer, I was given the opportunity to
work with the William and Mary Center for Archaeological Research
at Weston Manor in Hopewell, VA. Although I had been on several
digs and done many hours of lab work, this was the first time I
had participated in an excavation from beginning to end. I am now
officially hooked!
On this particular excavation, my co-workers and I were looking
to find traces of the many outbuildings that would have been part
of Weston Manor during the 1800s when the site was a plantation.
In order to determine where to place our rectangular units, we began
by digging 106 round pits, called shovel test pits, evenly distributed
over a grid on the property. These pits helped us locate concentrations
of artifacts and therefore determine the most likely place to find
a building. Once we had determined where to dig our units, we set
up our screens, measured the units, and let the dirt fly. The site
was loaded with artifacts that ranged from an 1848 penny to a screw
top of a beer bottle that dated to the 1970s. After a month and
a half of work and three test units later, we had discovered a building
on one side of the house and possibly another structure on the other
side.
In looking back, I realize that I was spoiled by having such a
perfect site for my first full dig. The whole time we were there,
a constant stream of visitors stopped to see what we were doing
and ask questions. Kind locals dropped by with food, and some stayed
to help us screen the dirt for artifacts. At lunch, we had a bench
in the shade with a breathtaking view of the Appomatox River. For
two of the weeks we were there, an art camp was taking place in
the basement of the house, and by the end of the camp, over twenty
children were convinced that they wanted to be archaeologists rather
than soccer players or ballerinas "when they grew up."
We were constantly amused by the antics and questions of these young
guests. One even asked, "Are you going to dig until you find
the door and then go in?"
Having been at the site from the beginning, it was exciting to
see how the dig progressed and to watch the foundations of a building
being uncovered. Through my summer as an archaeologist I learned
that archaeology is not quite what Indiana Jones would have you
believe. The "bad guys" are massive tree roots, and the
race is against the weather. Archaeology is, however, very thrilling
and incredibly addictive.
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