June 17, 2009

It's nothing like Indiana Jones. If you plan on graduating in archaeology at UVa, plan on some pretty physically demanding work outside the classroom.

"It's intensive, it's eight hours a day for six weeks," said Elizabeth Bollwerk, a UVa doctoral student.

That includes digging and sifting. Students at the Morven Farm are wrapping up a dig that ironically started because of Thomas Jefferson.

Last year the UVa Foundation was alerted to a Jefferson drawing in California that turned out to be a map indicating an ancient Indian camp, leading researchers to the Morven Farm.

"We're going to record all the history that's out here and there's probably thousands of years of history," said UVa anthropology professor Jeffrey Hantman.

After weeks students have discovered a number of Indian artifacts including pottery shards, and quartz flakes, left over from making arrows and spear points. It's hard work but for some, worth the effort.

"We are digging a lot of holes, and you don't always find something, but when you do it's a really great feeling because you know that the hard work you've been doing pays off," said student Rachel Burger.

It's already paying off for some students who will use the experience.

"One student is leaving Morven in a few days or weeks heading off to a dig in Rome. Other students are heading to the American southwest," said Hantman.

While some will remain here, continuing to dig up local history bit by bit.