Archaeology as a Profession

The physical remnants of ancient civilizations tell us a story about cultures that preceded us. Through a systematic study of the relics we can understand how communities developed, and flourished over the ages. Archaeology thus provides an insight into the lives of people during a period of time.

The discipline attracts individuals who are adventurous, and possess the curiosity to delve deeper into past eras. Archaeologists explore areas for existence of old-time civilizations following up on material evidence that has turned up, and by researching archival documents that indicate human settlement in a region. On locating a site they map the place, and conduct an investigation using various techniques. They excavate, analyze, and interpret natural and man-made objects, and structures unearthed to shed light on the chronology, historical context, and customary practices of the society. Archaeologists are also involved in conserving our cultural resources, and in public education. They work in the following arenas.

Museums- as curators they oversee the acquisition, evaluation, and classification of the exhibits in a collection. They prepare displays, and give public presentations. Curators are involved in the institution's research projects, as well as in its fundraising and promotional activities.

State and Federal Government- archaeologists are employed by various government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Land Management bureau, Army Corps of Engineers, state parks department, and water resource department. They are responsible for managing and preserving archaeological sites on federal and state lands, and in handling of local ordinances protecting heritage areas.

Academia- as faculty members at colleges and universities archaeologists teach courses in history, anthropology, or archaeology. When not teaching they take up field research funded by grants.