Move over Indiana Jones—there’s a new treasure hunter in town! Thanks to the annual Spring Dig coordinated by the Oklahoma Anthropological Society (OAS), it could be you. You and your family may uncover the secret to Oklahoma’s past, not to mention a new passion. What an exciting way for you and the other treasure hunters in your group to explore Oklahoma—by digging into it!

Each spring the OAS, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Historical Society and the University of Oklahoma Archeological Survey, coordinates a public archeological dig at one of their Oklahoma sites. Offering the public an opportunity to participate in these digs serves several purposes: OAS acquires additional hands for the project, the public receives education about archeology and Oklahoma’s past, Oklahoma’s history is preserved and artifact enthusiasts enjoy each other’s fellowship.

“When you are tenting with a group of people who have like interests, it can be a most satisfying experience,” says Kathleen Gibbs, past OAS president and current 1st Vice President. “When we are actually digging, it’s always exciting when someone finds something and shares it with the group. It’s hard work to dig, and you don’t always find something, but when you do find a point or a piece of an ancient tool and hold it in your hand and think that someone maybe a hundred or even a thousand years ago used this or made this and held it in his hand—well, you can’t describe the feelings.”

This year’s Spring Dig will be held May 23-31. It’s a follow-up to last year’s dig at Ft. Gibson, in the northeastern part of the state. According to Dr. Leland Bement of the OAS, the purpose of the Ft. Gibson dig is to uncover the stockade and foundation of the original fort built in 1824. The actual physical location was never officially recorded. Though a replica of the fort was built in the 1930s under the Works Project Administration, the Oklahoma Historical Society would like to preserve information about the original fort.

According to Dr. Bement, last year’s dig verified that they had indeed found the appropriate site including parts of the original fence stockade. Items found have included old nails, buttons, parts of broken glass and plates. “The kids on the site ended up finding most of the artifacts to the chagrin of the adults,” Dr. Bement mused. Many of the items discovered were items that fell through the floor boards of the original fort. The focus of this year’s dig is to expose more of the wall and uncover the foundation to get a feel for where the officer’s quarters and other rooms of the fort were located, said Dr. Bement.

If digging isn’t your thing, Dr. Bement suggests other volunteer opportunities including working the registration table, mending equipment, working the screen sifters (a standing job) or acting as a gofer to fetch needed items. As Dr. Bement mentions, “Some folks will come out to watch for a little while then by the second or third day they start digging and then get hooked for life.” On average, about 20 diggers participate per day.

The process for getting involved is simple. First, you must be a registered OAS member, a simple and inexpensive process. You can register on the society website at ou.edu/cas/archsur/ oas or when you arrive at the dig site.

Membership costs range from $10 per year for students to $20 for an active” membership. For additional family members, an annual “associate” membership is available for $5 per year for one person or $10 per year for two or more. Besides the opportunity to get a hands-on education working an actual archeological site, memberships include regular society newsletters and the Journal of the Anthropological Society, Oklahoma Archeology, published annually.

While the dig goes on for nine days, it’s not necessary to stay for the duration.Digging times are from 8am-3:30pm. In the evenings, OAS provides interesting educational programs pertaining to archeology and the site itself.

A variety of sleeping accommodations can be used. If you want to bring a tent, primitive camping is allowed directly on the site (restrooms and running water are available). The society usually reserves a nearby campground for those who would like to camp with more modern amenities. Also, there are a few motels in nearby Muskogee and Tahlequah, a short drive away.

No fancy Indiana Jones costumes are necessary for you and your family to get into real treasure hunting. By digging into Oklahoma’s past, you may uncover an archeologist in your family!

For more information about the OAS Spring Dig, visit their website at ou.edu/cas/archsur/oas, contact Charles Cheatham, current OAS president at charles@oba.com or call Dr. Leland Bement at 405-325-7211.

Karen Mitchell, a life-long resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, has been married to Mark since 1983 and is the mother of two teenagers. With a degree in Journalism and a career in sales, Karen is enjoying her return to writing.

•    Bartlesville Kiddie Park. This amusement park for tots opened in 1947 and offers 16 old-fashioned rides designed for kids 12 and younger. Admission is free and rides are only 25¢ each. Attractions include a Roller Coaster, Pirate Ship, Moon Walk, Little Boats, Sky Rockets, and Bumper Cars. KiddiePark.net.

•    Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum. At this Seminole attraction, kids get to see what it’s like to be the doctor, judge, or firefighter. The museum also houses a large aquarium, a bubble factory, a climbing maze, and lots of other touchable, doable exhibits. Take the new half-mile Sonic Express Train ride and visit Safety Town where kids learn how to bike ride and cross the street safely. JasmineMoran.com.

•    Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Refuge. This 3,600-acre wildlife refuge and museum southwest of Bartlesville offers fun around every corner. The two-mile drive through the wildlife refuge offers a chance to see over 30 varieties of birds and animals, including longhorn cattle, buffalo, and elk. The museum offers some of the country’s most unique Western art and artifacts. Woolaroc.org.

•    Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse & Adventure Quest. Head to Enid for some hands-on arts and science fun. Leonardo’s has everything from live chinchillas to a carpentry shop with real tools. Kids can create a masterpiece in the arts and crafts center, shop in the pretend grocery store, and play instruments from around the world in the music shop. Leonardos.org.

•    The Oklahoma State Capitol. Have you seen the interior of our recently-domed and glorified State Capitol? It’s gorgeous! The capitol boasts more than 100 unique works of art including The Guardian, which topped off the capitol’s dome on June 7, 2002. For details about architecture, art, and visiting hours, visit ok.gov and search for capitol.

•    Little River Zoo. Kids do more than see the animals at this unique Norman attraction. Tour guides share the history of each animal visitors see there. Kids develop a reference for life when they learn about the animals’ daily habits and personalities. 405-366-7229.

•    Orr Family Farm. This working farm in south Oklahoma City offers groups of children an opportunity to share in the heritage and values of an American family farm. Kid-friendly activities are varied—ride the carousel, do some fishing, saddle up a pony, participate in a rubber duck race, pan for treasure, or race a pedal car. The fun goes on all summer! OrrFamilyFarm.com.

•    Science Museum Oklahoma. With over 350 exhibits, this museum is the king of hands-on fun. Find out why the sky is blue (and lots of other exciting things) at ExploraZone; climb Gadget Tree, a giant tree house with the nation’s tallest spiral slide; and learn what it feels like to be a gymnast in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Omniplex.org.

•    Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. With comprehensive exhibits detailing ancient life in Oklahoma and the area, this Norman museum is a perfect destination for learning and fun. Don’t miss the special exhibit, “The Science of Super Croc,” through August 24. snomnh.ou.edu.

•    Oklahoma City Parks. The Play in the Park program, held at 30 Metro-area parks provide free, supervised summertime activities from 8am-4pm (unless otherwise posted) for children over age 6 (younger children must be accompanied by an adult). Free breakfast and lunch are provided at some sites; visit OKC.gov/parks/play_in_park for locations.

Denise Springer is the former editor of MetroFamily and lives in Edmond.

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