Get Involved

There's plenty of work to be done before a dig can even start. Exploring what might be at a particular site or deciding where to dig takes detailed research. Reviewing maps, exploring local history, looking at aerial photography and metal detecting, to name just a few of the elements of research needed. 

Recording what is found, and just as importantly, where it's found is a key task in archaeology. Taking pictures, drawing plans and context recording are among the activities involved in recording and mapping.

Once out of the ground, finds need to be processed. This involves washing, sorting into separate groups, such as flint, metal, bone and pottery. Then bagging them and ensuring the site code and date are written on each bag.

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Report writing brings the whole process together, creating a clear, permanent record of field work, finds, and site interpretations. It involves background history, methodology, objective results, specialist artifact analysis, and final conclusions with references.

Of course, archaeology and digging go hand in hand, but even this has a number of different elements. Most are suited to people who don't mind getting dirty, and include activities such as topsoil removal, troweling, and seiving and screening.

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Sharing what's found is what archaeology is all about. Finding ways to connect our community with the history of the area, and understanding how those before us lived, the buildings they built and the things they made and used, all help us to understand the rich history of Maldon and the surrounding area.