Posted on Dec 27, 2014
Interested in participating on an archaeological dig?
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I am completing my PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology at Andrews University (Michigan), and I am a Field Director with the Belice Valley Project in Sicily. A couple of days ago I was contacted by someone with the Ministry of Defense (UK) who operates "Operation Nightingale"—they take wounded British vets to different archaeological sites to help them not only learn valuable skills but to help cope in a "military-style" environment. So, I will be helping to train British vets.
I would like to start something similar to this program but for US vets (though, likely open it to both wounded and not). As I already lead a field in Sicily, I have a site ready (and we always need the help). My question is this, how would you suggest I gather funds to give, say, ten veterans a full ride scholarship for a six week excavation with me in Sicily? I honestly have no idea where to start with this, but I would like to build a "business model?" or "charity model?" or whatever. I know archaeology, but I don't really know what I would need to do to give others the opportunity.
Thoughts on creating the model? Thoughts on where to gather large donations?
I would like to start something similar to this program but for US vets (though, likely open it to both wounded and not). As I already lead a field in Sicily, I have a site ready (and we always need the help). My question is this, how would you suggest I gather funds to give, say, ten veterans a full ride scholarship for a six week excavation with me in Sicily? I honestly have no idea where to start with this, but I would like to build a "business model?" or "charity model?" or whatever. I know archaeology, but I don't really know what I would need to do to give others the opportunity.
Thoughts on creating the model? Thoughts on where to gather large donations?
History (Major)
Archaeology
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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Sounds fascinating for a history nerd like me. I applied to be a curator at the National Cemetery in Saipan and will be working with te recovery teams from JPAC. If selected, I start classes at the University on Guam for recovery operations, etc. I hope that is the direction God sends me. Best wishes and good luck.
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SFC Mark Merino
This position is located in the Engineering and Environmental Staff (EES), Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in Rural Development (RD). EES is responsible for the formulation and administration of policies and procedures for engineering analysis for the Water and Waste Disposal Program, environmental impact and historic preservation analysis to and compliance for all RUS programs.
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SFC Mark Merino
There are about 6 positions but nothing for what we were talking about. Are there any online courses for archeology that you have stumbled across..other than history type stuff?
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SGT Justin Singleton
I teach Archaeology of the Old Testament and Religions of the Ancient Near East online at a regionally accredited college (but more historical in nature), and there are other schools that have less religiously motivated courses. Oxford (England) and Harvard have some.
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SGT Justin Singleton, why don't you go to kickstarter and begin a campaign? I think your project would gain a ton of attention and get you the starting funds you need.
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SGT Justin Singleton
I think you are right. From other replies here, I think what I will do is look into opening my program to groups like WWP and others for funding and participants, but also start a crowdfunding campaign to gather the initial funds to cover 501c3 costs, etc. I'm thinking that it might take a good year or two to really get things going, but this summer I am joining our Brit friends to see how they are doing it and then I might be taking a wounded warrior (buddy of mine I served in Iraq with) to my dig and see how things go.
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SGT Justin Singleton
I'll also take this spring to actually write up the info for the program. Since I am still working on my PhD and will be writing soon, I am going to take this as slow as possible.
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COL (Join to see)
If it's linked to military sites, you may find a friend in the War Colleges as well. Army War College, National War College, etc. You never know.
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This sounds like a great program! Something I would be interested in. As for funding, how are digs normally funded? Have you reached out to folks like WWP and Team a Rubicon?
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SFC Mark Merino
I'm tempted to take an AMC flight and meet you guys out there and work for the experience.
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SGT Justin Singleton
Always welcome, brother! It is good hard work, and very fulfilling. This summer there will most likely be burials, mosaics, etc. I dug a burial this past summer (my second burial to excavate). The old lady (could tell age from her teeth) had earrings on either side of the skull, a ring and a half, and a coin. Lots of fun.
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