VA Museum of Nat. History-Hosts Archeological Tech. Certif. Program
March 6, 2008
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 7, 2008) – The Virginia Museum of Natural History will serve as a host site for the Archeological Technician Certification Program, a formal training program conducted by the Archeological Society of Virginia that provides exten
Tery Stelle of Altavista will conduct his volunteer work at VMNH from March 10 through 13 as part of the requirements for the certification program. Stelle’s work at the museum will include labeling of prehistoric artifacts, moving scientific collections, and sorting and labeling specimens for long-term storage.
Dr. Elizabeth Moore, curator of archaeology at VMNH, said the Archaeological Technician Certification Program is an excellent training program for anyone interested in archaeology.
“This training program makes for a more educated population in the field of archaeology,� Moore said. “The more informed people are about the field of archaeology, the more likely they are to learn about proper techniques to ensure the preservation and proper excavation of important archaeological sites.�
The Archeological Technician Certification Program includes required lectures, reading, laboratory work, and fieldwork, with practical and written exams at the end of the program. Other organizations participating in the program include federal and state agencies, universities, museums, and historic sites. Program graduates are recognized at the annual meeting of the Archaeological Society of Virginia, which will be held this year at the Virginia Museum of Natural History from October 9 through 12.
As a result of the strong local interest in archaeology demonstrated by volunteer participation at VMNH, a general interest meeting will be held at VMNH in April to discuss the possibility of the formation of a local chapter of the Archaeological Society of Virginia.
For more information about becoming an archaeological volunteer at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, or about the upcoming general interest meeting for the formation of a local chapter of the Archaeological Society of Virginia, call 276-634-4176. For more information about the Archaeological Technician Certification Program, call 540-568-6805.