On May 20, 2004, at 10:47 AM, Jill Gaieski wrote:

>     Hello.
>     I am involved in the start up of a non-profit archaeological
> research
> center in Lancaster PA, whereby the public would be invited to assist
> in the
> excavation of mostly 18th and 19th century urban sites.  The projects
> are
> soundly directed by two senior archaeologists from local universities
> in the
> area.  We are in need of a general liability insurance policy to cover
> activities on the site.  Do any of you know of an insurance outfit that
> writes such policies?  I've been able to find corporate directors and
> officers coverage, but so far no insurance agent is interested in
> writing a
> premises liability policy for this kind of work.

The Archeological Society of Virginia (ASV) is a non-profit,
educational outfit with 501.c(3) status under the IRS. We too searched
for liability insurance. Based on tool usage, we were classified under
the same risk categories as landscape gardeners.

However, our liability covers not the participants but the potential
for observers to be damaged by the activities. It was felt that those
who were willing to participate were aware of the potential dangers and
did so willingly. Tabb, Brockenbrough and Ragland (TBR) here in
Richmond, VA has handled our insurance (804) 355-7984 for the last 20
years.

Lyle Browning