Day of Archaeology
Documenting a single day in the life of archaeology, told by the people who live it, from excavation trenches to laboratory benches, all around the world.
A Gathering Place for the Everyday Work of Archaeology
Archaeology is often imagined as a world of dramatic discoveries, but most of the profession is made up of quieter moments: careful note-taking, patient excavation, long hours in archives, and detailed analysis in laboratories. This site exists to document and share these everyday realities, so the wider public can better understand what archaeologists actually do.
We collect short accounts and field notes from people working across the many branches of archaeology, whether surveying a landscape, cataloguing pottery, or teaching a student to read a layer of soil. If you work in or around archaeology, we welcome your perspective on our blog.
Browse by Area of Work
Fieldwork
Stories from excavation seasons and surveys, describing the slow, patient process of uncovering the past in all kinds of landscapes and conditions.
Lab Work
Behind-the-scenes accounts of cataloguing, conservation, and analysis, where finds are cleaned, studied, and prepared to reveal what they can teach us.
Museums and Teaching
Reflections from curators, lecturers, and students on sharing archaeological knowledge, from gallery displays to classroom lessons in stratigraphy.
About This Project
Day of Archaeology is curated by Martha Lopez, who gathers these honest, personal accounts into a long-term record of how the profession works and changes over time. The aim is simple: to focus on genuine experience rather than sensational discovery, and to show how varied a career in archaeology can be.
Latest Articles
- What Happens to a Find After It Comes Out of the Ground
Before an artifact ever reaches a museum case, it passes through hours of washing, labeling, and quiet decision-making. Here’s a look at the unglamorous but essential journey every find takes after the trowel stops moving.
Share Your Day
There is no single correct way to describe a day in archaeology. If you would like to contribute your own account, visit our blog to see the kinds of stories we gather, and get in touch to join the conversation.