The Lewis H. Larson Volunteer Program

The Lewis H. Larson, Jr. Volunteer Program is a continuous program, allowing volunteers to work along-side the professional staff and faculty in the Anthropology Department, the Biological and Forensic Anthropology Lab (BAFAL) and the Waring Laboratory on a wide range of projects that provide hands-on experience. Volunteers can work with Physical Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Anthropological Archaeology, and more. If you are interested in anthropology, like to organize, teach, work with computers, and meet new people, then volunteering might be for you! Volunteers at the Waring Laboratory handle real artifacts from sites across the Southeastern United States. Volunteers are also eligible to take various practical workshops, provided through the Larson Volunteer Program, to teach methods of Curation and Excavation. Additionally, the Lewis H. Larson, Jr. Medal Reward Program offers incentives and allows the staff to thank volunteers for their work invested.

Who Can Volunteer?

The Larson Volunteer Program is divided into Junior Volunteer (ages 10-17) and Senior Volunteer(ages 18-up). Volunteers can be students (secondary education or college students) and members of the local community. Whether you are still in school, in college, or just seeking a chance to further develop your skills, volunteering might be for you.

Requirements to Volunteer

• Have an interest in anthropology, archaeology, education, forensics, and other sciences.
• Must be at least 10 years of age. Ages 10-17 qualify as Junior Volunteers. Ages 18-up qualifies as Senior Volunteers.
• Must be able to work during normal operating hours.
• Work a minimum of 2 hrs/week for most positions (preferred) or 5 hrs/month. Some work may be done from home.
• Must work 5 rhs/month to remain active.

How to Become a Volunteer

• Email ajwlab@westga.edu for an application and procedure manual. Note: Junior Volunteers must have a parent or legal guardian sign the application.
• Bring in or mail the completed application to: Volunteer Program, Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA 30118
• The Applicant will be contacted by the Curator of Collections to schedule an interview. The interview is required to clarify the application, discuss expectations, and identify potential areas to volunteer.
• Volunteers are chosen based on experience and need of the supervisor. If hired the applicant and the immediate supervisor will develop a written or oral contract of work.
• All volunteers, regardless of assignments, must complete Block I (Orientation) as part of the interview process and before being allowed to start. This orientation includes a tour of the Waring Laboratory, the Anthropology Building, and BAFL.
• Senior Volunteers must complete Quiz 1-9 of Managing Archaeological Collections: Technical Assistance (National Park Service) with scores of 80% or better an must read the Block II Training Packet.