Volunteer Program

Since its inception in 1928, the Texas Archeological Society has been dedicated to promoting the study, preservation, and public awareness of Texas archaeological resources. Through its volunteer program, the society provides the manpower to assist state and federal agencies, universities, and private landowners in discovering and protecting archaeological sites on their property.

Through Field Schools, volunteers help to survey and excavate sites, and to clean, catalog, and inventory artifact collections. Field Schools provide many hours of volunteer work, since they may involve 250 to 600 people participating for a week at a site. Volunteers also help to measure, draw, describe, and photograph rock art throughout the state. Agencies and organizations that have benefitted from the work of society volunteers include the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Tech University.

The society works to engage young people in learning about and helping to protect cultural resources. Youth age seven or older can participate in Field Schools. Society volunteers also visit schools to give programs on archaeology and work with youth in Scout programs.

The society offers volunteers a basic course in archaeology as well as specialized Archeology Academies. These short courses are designed to give volunteers in-depth training on specific subjects that will enhance their participation in Field School projects. 

Designated a Preserve America Steward in May 2012.