During the summer of 1997, I had the distinct pleasure of working with the youngest person ever certified as a field technician by the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, in conjunction with the Iowa Archeological Society (IAS). The IAS is the amateur archaeological society in the state of Iowa, and many of its members travel long distances to visit professional archaeological digs around the state. If they have gone through the certification program, members may help excavate for a few days.
At the age of ten years old, Miss Amy Marquardt came to visit my archaeological dig in eastern Iowa in 1997. She was patient, interested, hard-working, and very particular about her unit floor levels. While she was there, she and I chatted about her interest in archaeology at such a young age.
How did you get interested in archaeology, Amy?
I have always been interested in science. I am fascinated by things that have been here before me. I have found rocks around where I live and wondered what they are. Learning about archaeology has answered my questions. It is like solving mysteries. I think it is neat to walk in areas where Indians were. I like gathering facts and try to figure out what it all means.
What was the first archaeological site you visited? What kind of site was it and what happened there?
The first archaeology site I worked at was the McKinney site at Toolesboro, Iowa. It is an Oneota Indian village. I attended field school. There was a lot of interesting things found. I dug up things that had been buried in the ground for hundreds of years. It was neat to be the first person to see things for the first time in hundreds of years. I learned how to map and record what I found so that others could study it. The neatest thing I found was a strap handle [of a ceramic pot].
What made you decide to go for your certification as a field technician?
I had a lot of fun at field school. It was exciting and something I wanted to learn more about. By getting the certification, I thought I would learn more. Learning about people that have been here before me is intriguing.
What did you have to do to become certified?
I had to keep daily notes, work at least 40 hours at a site, be supervised by an archaeologist, and ask to take the test. I read about time periods and about people that lived during that time. The essay question was the easiest because it was about what I learned at field school.
You're 11 years old now: is it too early to have decided whether you want to be an archaeologist when you grow up?
I don't know, but I know I like archaeology and want to continue digs. I know it will always be an interest of mine. I hope to get a site technician and a lab technician certificate next.
Children younger than 16 may attend a field school operated by the Iowa Archeological Society if they are accompanied by a parent. For information on field schools in your area, contact your local archaeological society or find information on field work opportunities.
