P.E.I historic site allows kids to play archaeologist for a day

Those wanting the opportunity to take part in an archeological dig had their chance at Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site. 

The week-long dig is held annually at the site in Brudenell. The goal is for people young and old to try their hand at archeology. 

"People are invited to come and be an archeologist for a day, for an hour, for an afternoon, whatever they like and participate in the process, learn what we do and hopefully come back next year," said Dr. Helen Kristmanson. 

On Tuesday, some children took part in the dig with Kristmanson, a provincial archaeologist, on a piece of land believed to be the site of a 19th century home.

Archeologist for a day

"I found a box nail, a couple pieces of plaster and I helped one of my friends find a piece of glass and I found a piece of quartz," said Sean Peric. 

Peric, along with Eliza and Isabelle Blacquiere were searching for more items to show if a family had lived there. 

"It's part of our heritage. It's part of P.E.I, right, so we want people to know at this time there wasn't just nobody here, there was people living here and they had a story and we want to tell their story," said summer student Dawn Knockwood.  

Organizers of the dig say taking part also teaches how and why archeologists do what they do. 

"From talking with people who've worked with us, almost everybody has expressed that they've had an interest in archaeology since they were a kid and obviously not everybody grows up to be an archeologist and this gives people a window into what we do," Kristmanson said.