Citizen scientists are volunteers who help NPS archeologists to collect data for managing archeological resources. You can help! Here's how to find citizen science projects:
- Search the NPS Volunteer in Parks website using keywords "citizen science" or "archaeology" and "archeology".
- Use the Find a Park tool to, well, find a park. Visit the park website and scroll to the bottom of the page for contact information. Ask if the park has volunteer opportunities with archeologists.
- Check out other kinds of citizen scientist positions -- they range from using apps to inventory animal and plant species, to transcribing archival collections, to much more.
- Cast a bigger net by exploring volunteer opportunities with federal agencies and museums.
Scroll on to learn about past projects where citizen scientists helped NPS archeologists.
- Duration:
- 6 minutes, 10 seconds
On February 6th, 1922, the Bessie A. White struck a sandbar off Fire Island. While there were no casualties, the ship and its cargo were a total loss. Over the years, the beached remains of a four-masted schooner, believed to be the Bessie A. White, have attracted local residents, casual visitors, and historians from across the world. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the wreck on the beach near Watch Hill. Learn more about this astounding artifact and the science we're conducting on it.
Last updated: February 10, 2025