Robin, given the recent TV shows that show the Bad side of private 
"archaeologists" I would say that this is a perfect opritunity to teach 
not only those in the group there, but everyone that they will interact 
with down the road, the proper way to do archaeology and how to treat 
the artifacts once they are uncovered. With your guidance this could be 
a great benefit to the archaeology of the area as well as all those 
involved and the people they interact with. Like with most things, there 
is a good common ground between the "high" road and the "low" road where 
all can benefit.

Richard



On 6/11/2012 6:34 PM, Mills, Robin O wrote:
> Dear Histarch,
>
> I have been approached by a local historic society that is interested in conducting an annual "dig". They want to do a real excavation, and want to save appropriate data from the site, and thus are looking for appropriate guidance on methods and what-not. Now, the site they propose digging is on private land, so the artifacts that are dug up will belong to the landowner. [Although Histarch members may come back with "Not necessarily so..." in their neck of the woods, that is the case here].  This sounds all well and good and potentially a win-win situation for all involved, except that the local society is advertising that they want to divide up the artifacts after the dig is over. The landowner keeps what he wants, the local museum would get some, and those people that excavate would get some, too.  Mmm.....
>
> Now, the dig WILL proceed whether I or anyone else from the archaeological community is involved or not. And, legally, the landowner CAN do what he wants with the artifacts; keep, give away, put in museum, whatever.
>
> I think you all see the dilemma: I could take the high horse and not want to be involved because of the ownership issue (i.e., as Dr. Jones so famously said, "It belongs in a museum!").  Or, I can see the potential to salvage information from a controlled dig (they want to put me in charge), and hopefully engage and teach archaeological conservation and morals to all those involved.
>
> Part of me says "Run for the hills!".  However, I find the latter more appealing, and potentially more rewarding for the resource in the long run, but am interested in what the Histarch community has to say on the matter before making a final decision.
>
> Best,
>
> Robin Mills
> Archaeologist
> Bureau of Land Management
> Fairbanks District Office, Alaska

-- 
Cordially:

Richard W. Galloway
Historical Archaeologist
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
  ~ Calvin Coolidge, 1872-1933, Thirtieth President of the USA