The archaeological heritage of Nashville and Davidson County is rich and diverse. The Metropolitan Historical Commission (MHC) seeks to document and safeguard these resources. To do this, we need the public's help.
The Nashville Public Archaeology Program of the MHC offers several opportunities for the public to become involved in archaeological preservation.
Junior Archaeology Booklet
The first resource is geared to children and includes the Junior Archaeologist Booklet. The workbook contains a series of exercises built around historic and archaeological sites within Davidson County. Each activity incorporates an aspect of archaeology and archaeological methods. The booklet has different activities for ages 6 to 9 and ages 10 to 12. Children can bring their finished booklet to the MHC's office at the Sunnyside Mansion in Sevier Park to be reviewed. Upon completion, children will become junior archaeologists and earn their badge. Download The Junior Archaeologist Booklet or pick one up at the MHC office.
Archaeology Training Program
In a similar vein, the public program offers the Archaeological Training Program (ATP). The ATP is designed for high school students and adults wishing to have a guided training course in archaeological methods. Once registered, participants will receive guidelines and a field notebook to record their work and experiences. Participants will complete several readings in and about archaeology in Tennessee and archaeology in general, and they will complete journal entries about each. They will also gain experience in archaeological excavation and laboratory practice. Finally, they will attend an archaeological presentation. The program has three successive tiers of training with the second and third tiers including the completion of a guided archaeological research project and its presentation to the public.
The goal of the program is to train interested members of the public in archaeology awareness and practice so that they can help be stewards of Nashville history. To sign up for the program or for more information, please contact Adam Fracchia at [email protected].
Archaeology Field and Laboratory Volunteering
The archaeological heritage of Davidson County encompasses over 13,000 years of history and is expansive. The public has been and continues to be instrumental in documenting and preserving this heritage. The public has participated in excavations at several sites in Nashville that are slated to be impacted by development.
Fieldwork
No experience is necessary to participate. You will receive training in archaeological survey and excavation. All equipment will be provided. We recommend gloves (gardening or work gloves) as well as a hat, a long sleeve shirt, and pants. Please dress for the weather and bring water.
Laboratory Work
The archaeology laboratory is on the second floor of the Sunnyside Mansion in Sevier Park (1113 Kirkwood Avenue) in South Nashville. In the lab, we wash, sort, catalog, and rebag artifacts from the excavations. No experience is necessary, and you will learn how to handle and curate collections and help piece together these sites.
Age
We welcome all ages to participate. However, archaeological work can be labor intensive and requires concentration. Not all tasks are appropriate for children nor can children be unattended at any time.
Sign-up Times
Members of the public interested in helping in the field or lab are welcome to sign up for an available time: Nashville Public Archaeology Program.