Garfield Farm Museum looking for volunteers to archaeological research

Garfield Farm Museum is looking for volunteers to help with archaeological research in August and September.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday during the weeks Aug. 12-14 and Sept. 9-21. Under the direction of James R. Yingst, Director and Chief Archaeologist of Chicago-based Heartland Archaeology Research Program, and a Research Associate in Archaeology at Garfield Farm Museum, work will focus on understanding the lives of the 1830s/1840s settling farmers in Northern Illinois.

Registration is now open. Individuals enrolling for a minimum of 40 hours receive a complete orientation, structured training involving rotation through the activities of shovel excavation, screening of excavated soil for artifact recovery, and washing of recovered artifacts. Participants who successfully complete 40 or more hours will receive certificates documenting hours of training and supervised experience in historical archaeology. Volunteers who can't commit to 40 hours are also welcome and will receive informal orientations and participate in tasks needed during their hours of participation.

The GFM Archaeology Program accepts volunteers of ages 14-17 with written parental permission. Volunteers age 14 and younger must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Participants younger than age 8 are not recommended.

To register as a participant, to visit the excavation site, or to financially contribute to the effort, call the museum at (630) 584-8485, e-mail info@garfieldfarm.org or write to Box 403 LaFox, IL 60147.