Texas - The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT)
Closed! Air Conditioned Collections Processing
Artifacts from Texas
TX-4435
July 13-17; 27-31; August 10-14; 24-28, 2020
Volunteers must commit to 1 full session; may participate in more
Have you ever wanted to do some real archaeological studies in East Texas, yet looked “down the barrel” of the summer heat and humidity and said, “pass!”? Well, if that’s you, welcome to air-conditioned archaeology! The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) has artifact collections dating back to 1974, most of which have been housed at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Lufkin since that time. Our collection ranges from prehistoric lithics and pottery to historic objects, and also contains photographs and a large amount of documentation. However, when we “moved house” recently, we lost our curation quarters, and we can use some help going through the artifacts to get them prepared for their new home. So, this summer, we will be working to prepare assemblages of artifacts for long-term curation, and will be doing so in the comfortable, cool environs of the Steven S. Austin State University’s temporary storage facility. Volunteers and Forest staff will sort, bag, tag, and process the collection, as well as entering and updating artifact and site information into our established database.
Fresh to the field or to Texas archaeology or not, every volunteer will come away with some new or newly honed skills, and will get the opportunity to “touch Texas’ past” – we hope to see you this summer in the Lone Star state, enjoying a nice, cool summertime project in an air conditioned venue!
Number of openings: 24 (6 per session)
Special skills: Previous archaeological curation/laboratory, computer, and/or photography experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: The project is located in the City of Nacogdoches. Camping accommodation can be provided as needed for volunteers, though amenities will vary – inquire if selected; Nacogdoches is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/camping equipment, meals, and daily transportation to and from curation facility
Nearest towns: Project based in Nacogdoches; Lufkin, 25 miles; Ratcliff, 30 miles
Applications due: Closed