By Alyson Draper ~ Web Editor
This fall, the University of Lynchburg launched The Archaeology Society, an organization which aims to bring a new opportunity for students to learn history.
Dr. Christie Vogler, a professor of history at the University of Lynchburg and faculty advisor of the organization, hopes to introduce students to hands-on learning in history rather than a traditional lecture format.
“We’ve been able to go out to Historic Sandusky to excavate … we’ve been able to break pots and learn how to put them back together,” said Vogler.
The opportunity for students to excavate has allowed them to gain experience in the field of archaeology while having fun.
“It’s a fun learning experience that isn’t required for students but it gives valuable hands-on experience,” said Mikayla Minton, a junior communication studies major. “I like how I’m able to get down and dirty and take a more active role in finding history,” added Emma Coffey, a junior history major at the University.
The society was working on creating their own stone tools out on the Dell using prehistoric methods using stones to sharpen flint into items like spears and arrowheads.
Everyone worked together to perfect their tools, much like how humans did the same thing thousands of years ago.
By getting an understanding of how the tools were made and having the experience of making them with others The Archaeology Society is learning about Archaeology the way someone from the distant past would.
The Society plans to sponsor several upcoming events including a movie night and a dig at Historic Sandusky to find the smokehouse.
Students interested in joining the Archaeology Society can contact Dr. Vogler at vogler_cm@lynchburg.edu.
Sources
Christie Vogler vogler_cm@lynchburg.edu.
Emma Coffey coffeye777@lynchburg.edu.
Mikayla Minton mintonm624@lynchburg.edu.