MS-3894
March 30-April 7, 2010 (including weekends)
Must commit to one full session
The De Soto National Forest needs your help with an initial excavation of a large prehistoric site! As you trek eastward to the site through groves of thick, young pine trees, you may get the feeling you are re-living Doctor Livingstone's journey through jungles of Africa. After what seems like forever, you emerge from the hot bug-infested woods, and you see it: a large, leaf-covered pen oak draped with Spanish moss stands in front of you. The contrast to the forest thus far makes you think perhaps it is a mirage. That is, until you view more of these majestic trees clustered behind this one, and realize you have discovered a hidden grove of pen oaks standing proudly above a cool springhead! The question is what lies hidden within this unmarred grove of oaks? We intend to find out!
"Pen Oak Grove" (Site 22Fo942) lies on a sandy, oak-covered ridge overlooking the deep springhead of Beaver Creek, an ever-flowing tributary of Black Creek. According to early testing at the site, there are deep, rich deposits from prehistoric occupations dating between 3500 B.C. and A.D. 1150. Because the site is relatively isolated, it may provide significant and specific data concerning the area's prehistoric occupants and potential relationships to sites excavated further north. However, due to this isolation, the way to the site involves walking a long distance along a temporary trail through the woods, and supplies and equipment will have to be packed in. The excavation will take place over the course of one week. On the last day, we will take a mound tour, hosted by Forest Archaeologist Sam Brookes. The tour will showcase the area between Vicksburg and Natchez. Join us for this very unique excavation opportunity!
Number of openings: 15
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking one mile over a rough, temporary trail every day in fluctuating temperatures; must be physically capable of kneeling and sitting for extended periods each day; an ability to listen to and laugh at bad jokes told by the archaeologist is required; previous excavation experience on the De Soto NF is desirable, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Developed tent and RV camping at Paul B. Johnson State Park (~10 miles from site); water, flush toilets, full amenities; No facilities at excavation site. Hattiesburg and Wiggins are full-service communities with motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment/lodging; food, water; and transportation to and from the designated meeting area every day
Nearest towns: Brooklyn, 5 miles; Wiggins, 10 miles; Hattiesburg, 30 miles
Applications due: January 25, 2010
MS-3919
October 12-15; 18-22, 2010
Must commit to one full session; may participate in both
You are a single man in the Deep South of 1911. In crowded quarters within a hotel "reserved" only for Blacks, you lie asleep until a train whistle breaks through the silence of your dreams. You rise, along with your many roommates, in the pre-dawn darkness. You dress and quickly grab something to eat from a nearby kitchen: you may not get another chance - you have a full day's hard work ahead of you! You might be able to get some dinner once your long shift at the turpentine kiln is over, but you are usually too exhausted. It's just another day in Piave...
The De Soto NF will begin initial excavations of a large, historic (early 1900s) logging town or, more specifically, one of the logging town's hotels. On a high, pine-covered ridge that covers many acres of both private and public land, lie the remains of Piave, one of the more "modern" towns of its time. Although the site has a relatively rich written and oral history, many mysteries concerning the town's residents and their day-to-day activities still remain unsolved: what were the differences in living conditions among the town's inhabitants, specifically along "racial" lines? How did these differ from nearby towns that were not as "modern"? To provide answers to these questions, groups of participants will study and record the site during excavations focused on the areas around the hotel reserved for Blacks and several houses near the hotel. At the same time, a set of smaller groups will form survey teams who will sweep designated areas with metal detectors. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to explore the area's "modern" history, so we hope to see you in October!
Number of openings: 15-20
Special skills: Volunteers must possess an ability to listen to (and tolerate) the two archaeologists ramble on about archaeology every day! Must be physically capable of kneeling for extended periods each day; previous excavation experience on the De Soto NF is desired, but not required. Please indicate on your application if you have and are willing to bring a personal metal detector.
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Tent and RV camping at no charge at Turkey Fork campground; water, pit toilets, limited hookups, dump station; Richton and Laurel are full-service communities with motels, restaurants, and other available amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment or lodging, food, and transportation
Nearest towns: Sand Hill, 4 miles; Richton, 14 miles; Laurel, 35 miles
Applications due: August 9, 2010