What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is one of the few ways to document histories that have been underrepresented in written records. These include the histories of ancient Native people, immigrants, young people, women, disabled, people of color, and many others. It entails excavating (digging up) areas of past human occupation (archaeological sites) using standardized methods and systems. 

An archaeologist is a preservation professional who meets the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s standards for qualification. They are trained to research and excavate archaeological sites systematically, thoroughly document all data, and interpret their findings for others. To excavate in Boston, an archaeologist must meet the qualifications set by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. These include at least a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field as well as an accredited archaeological field school. Principal Investigators must have at least a master's degree and several years of field experience.