Archaeology internship opportunities are available through State Parks. Students participating in these internships will acquire skills in excavation, site mapping, photography, and site interpretation, as well as laboratory methods. Students will also gain public archaeology skills, such as organizing volunteer labor and explaining archaeological work to park visitors.

CHARLES TOWNE LANDING STATE HISTORIC SITE

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is one of the premier archaeological sites in South Carolina, and one of the flagship historic sites within the South Carolina State Parks system.

Archaeology students seeking a focus in Historical Archaeology will benefit from their time spent at Charles Towne Landing, where they will have the opportunity to excavate on a 17th century site and learn excavation techniques, detailed note taking, and how to prepare scaled drawings. Students will also learn how to process all artifacts, including artifact identification, metal conservation and artifact curation methods.

COLONIAL DORCHESTER STATE HISTORIC SITE

Located in Summerville, SC, Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is an archaeological preserve under the management of the South Carolina Park Service. The site consists of an entire Colonial-era town (est. 1697) situated along the Ashley River. This historic site has been virtually undisturbed by modern development, offering a unique setting for historical archaeological research and preservation.

Students interested in Historical Archaeology are presented with the opportunity to further develop their skills with the principles of archaeological field and lab methods. Additionally, students will learn how to orchestrate volunteer and public archaeology programs for school groups and adult education.

HAMPTON PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, located in McClellanville, South Carolina was home to the Horry and Rutledge families and their enslaved workers for generations. The mansion house, detached kitchen, and overgrown rice fields are the few visible above ground remains of the plantation. Current archaeological investigations are focusing on a settlement area occupied by slaves from the eighteenth to nineteenth century. Students interested in an internship at Hampton Plantation can develop basic skills in field and lab methods, while focusing on eighteenth and nineteenth century artifact collections. Additionally, interns will assist in the field with volunteer archaeological excavations at Hampton Plantation in the Spring or Fall.

Opportunities may be available for advanced students. Selected students will choose one aspect of the laboratory work (such as a specific artifact type i.e. buttons, beads, ceramics) and write a short paper or summary of the work. Summaries could lead to presentations at a local conference or lecture, published in the SC State Parks newsletter, or incorporated into the site report.