Digging up the past in Kapiti

KCC member, Stephen Clarke talks about one of his favourite and most recent trips with Kapiti KCC.

Mary showing us how to probe.

In November, KCC Wellington region had a trip to the Kapiti Coast to meet archaeologist Mary O’Keefe.

First she gave us a talk about what she does and then we went to the beach to practice archaeology skills. We were in groups and all had an area to dig. Mary had provided books so we could research our finds and have a theory of what kind of site it might be.

I really enjoyed listening to Mary talking about her finds and I liked how she buried stuff in the sand for us to find. I found some old bottles and pieces of china from Victorian times.

KCC members examining their finds and Stephen’s group doing some probing of their own.

Something new I learned was how you had to probe before you dig, so you  have an idea of where things might be buried and don’t break them .

I learnt lots and I really want to learn more about archaeology!