A TALK WITH PAST VOLUNTEERS

Over the years, Archaeology in the Community has welcomed volunteers of all interests and expertise to work with us on the many applications and impacts of public archaeology. From teaching in classroom, to speaking at conferences, to helping set up for the Archaeology Festival each year, there are many ways to get involved! In addition to working with Dr. Jones on the archaeology side, working with AITC also provides volunteers with an opportunity to learn to run a community-driven nonprofit organization. 

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 6-12, 2014), AITC intern Julia Moss was happy to speak with two seasoned AITC volunteers, Fiona Lister and Leah Weissburg. There are many ways to get involved with AITC and we hope you will consider lending your strengths in the mission to spread archaeology education across the nation!

​Why is archaeology important to you?

• Leah: Few careers combine satisfaction of intellectual curiosity with getting out of the armchair and digging into the frontier. I find the vastness and diversity of history to be the only way for humans to feel in anyway prepared to deal with the complicated modern world. The more we know ourselves and feel our pasts in our collective memory, the stronger we are to confront the unknown.

• Fiona: I have always held an interest in history, heritage, classical civilizations and ancient literature, nevertheless, my fascination in archaeology as a career, lies in its technique of discovery. As such despite the fascination with the near and ancient past, the role of the 21st century archaeologist is more in the future than the past and most importantly in the present day, within the community. The archaeologist therefore has a regional, national, and global responsibility to the development of knowledge and the conservation/preservation of past societies – this is an extremely important role within the fast – developing world in which we live, providing a sense of personal enrichment.

​Any special projects you have gotten a chance to work on while volunteering with AITC?

• Leah: I’ve really enjoyed working on our successful Charity Walk, the Day of Archaeology, the Message to an Archaeologist Postcard project, and reaching out to the amazing archaeological community locally, nationally and globally.

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• Fiona: The projects I felt were most rewarding were the school programs. These opportunities enabled you to provide a direct link between the archaeological world and its surrounding community. Providing a real feeling of fulfillment!

​Favorite project at AITC?

• Leah: I think the program that best typifies why AITC is a solid public archaeology nonprofit is the Message to an Archaeologist Postcard project. Connecting different groups from the community around archaeology is essential to the AITC mission.

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• Fiona: During my time as an AITC volunteer, I was fortunate enough to attend a Native American Pow-wow – what an experience! Providing a day of drum and dance and the most extensive collection of Native American arrowheads I have been fortunate to observe. Such programs reflect the diverse role and potential that archaeology plays within the present day community.

How was AITC allowed you to grow professionally?

• Leah: Since joining AITC in October 2012, I’ve been encouraged to develop so many of the skills taught in my graduate program. Specifically, I’ve created a fundraising plan, produced a flexible budget, engineered a growing social media presence, and learned nonprofit governance structures.

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• Fiona: As an international volunteer, AITC has provided a unique addition to my resume and has been instrumental in gaining paid employment overseas with the British Museum.

Advice for those looking for careers in archaeology?

• Leah: No matter what, archaeologists face challenges. It’s a very good thing that most people attracted to archaeology as a field are smart, tough, resourceful, and have a solid sense of humor. Stay focused, work hard and have a good time!

• Fiona: Those looking for a potential career in archaeology must embrace archaeology in the 21st century – embracing all the opportunities that unique projects like AITC provide.

Fiona Lister has decades of experience in archaeology. Graduating from the University of Winchester, UK, Fiona earned a BA in Archaeology and two Masters degrees (Social Archaeology and Professional Archaeological Practice). Fiona has worked in heritage sectors, specifically for English Heritage and National Trust. She is currently excavating ‘Ness of Brodgar’ on the Scottish island of Orkney.

Leah Weissburg is currently AITC’s Chief Operating Officer, after starting with AITC in an outreach coordinator role in 2012. Leah is a nonprofit management professional focused on education policy and afterschool programming. Currently, Leah is a Masters in Public Administration student at George Washington University, graduating in May 2014.  She graduated with a BA in Anthropology from Vassar College in 2008.

​Written by: Julia Moss

Julia Moss recently received her B.A. from The George Washington University and is living and working in the D.C. area. Her interests include international affairs, community outreach, and traveling. If you’d like to get in touch with her, her contact info is [email protected].