Come dig with us:

We’re in hot pursuit of the hottest place on the hillside: the Agency blacksmith buildings. Dig with us into our site’s history using the science of archaeology.  Come prepared to get dirty, learn a lot, and personally play an important part in the quest to expand our historical understanding of how the Agency—and particularly the blacksmith shop—functioned in the early 1830s.

Who may participate? …and how?

You and your family are invited to work right alongside the professional archaeologists. Adults and children ages five and up with the direct supervision of a responsible adult are welcomed to try their hand at a variety of tasks from digging to screening and more. Participants will be guided through a 5-minute “Archaeology Boot Camp” before rolling up their sleeves to help investigate the site’s history alongside the professional archaeology team. Join us for an educational time of inquiry and discovery.

A membership (individual or family) is required in order to participate. Purchase your membership ahead of time at www.agencyhouse.org/membership, or at the door on the days of the excavation.  Bring your membership card to the event. Please note that there are no membership refunds, even if a dig date is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances (we are okay to dig rain or shine, but not during storms).  Keep that information in mind as you decide when to purchase your membership. This year, dig participants/attendees ages 5-16 will also receive a free t-shirt.

If you are bringing multiple participants who want to dig at the same time (spouse, children, friends), be sure to register each one individually for the desired dig time(s). You may pre-register for any number of time slots you desire, or you may register at the door for any times that remain available.  In between times, you may observe the blacksmith demonstrations, peruse the gift shop, hike our trails, take a tour, bring a picnic lunch, explore the mini exhibit, or sit outside the dig area and watch the excavation continue!

The dig is scheduled to take place, weather permitting, June 14-15 and June 21-22, 10 am – 4 pm. This reservation page is for SUNDAY, JUNE 22 ONLY.  Reservation pages for other days may be found at agencyhouse.eventsmart.com.  Please be sure to arrive and check in at least 15 minutes ahead of time to sign your waiver and receive your wristband.  Time slots will be opened up to others if registrants do not arrive on time.  We additionally recommend that you bring a water bottle with you to stay adequately hydrated.

NOTE: If you are participating in the special Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip on Sunday, June 15 or Sunday, June 22, please do not reserve spaces using this platform.  Your space is already reserved.