History in Hand provides quality programs in archaeological studies for children, students and young adults. Our programs are designed to allow young people to experience at first hand the thrill of unearthing, cleaning and identifying authentic ancient coins and artifacts.
The program package provides everything needed to create an actual digsite complete with high-grade antique artifacts to be buried and rediscovered. Our support materials are designed to ensure the learning experience for the students is enjoyable and lasting and to provide all the assistance an instructor requires to set up and run the program smoothly.
the Programs
Each one of our individual programs focuses on a unique era or civilization from the past, bringing it out from between the covers of the history books and placing it into the hands of the students. Current offerings include Ancient Rome and Prehistoric America with the Mayan Empire and the US Civil War coming in January 2008.
History in Hand programs begin with a dig for the students, laid out with stakes and string into a grid and seeded with artifacts by the instructor. By recreating an archaeological dig simulating a real, historical location we create a connection for our students with the work of archaeologists in the field.
After unearthing their artifacts, the students return to the lab or classroom to examine their finds and begin the process of cleaning and restoring them. With the help of the instructor and our supporting materials the students identify their individual artifacts as well as some more special and unique finds included in the dig, place them in historical context, share and discuss them with the other particpants.
Results
Our programs are designed to give students both a first taste of what it means to work as an archaelogist and a feeling for handling artifacts that date back hundreds or thousands of years.
History in Hand programs are built to engage and involve young people in learning more about the past. For young people with an interest in history or archaeology they provide a unique opportunity to work with real antiquities and broaden their horizons. For others who may not yet have an interest in the past, our programs may kindle a lifelong passion for the study of history and archaeology.
From it's founding under the Greeks through the rise and fall of the Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines, Thessalonika was a city of culture and standing. Our dig includes coins, ornaments and utensils from all of these civilizations. 
The earliest wanderers to North America brought with them the first stirrings of community and culture. In our Prehistoric dig students will uncover ancient stone tools and fossils which bring to life the world of our ancient ancestors.
The civil war has passed from living memory
Kings and pyramid builders, warriors, astronomers and simple potters. Students will learn about all aspects of the world of the ancient Maya by unearthing a Maya Lord's burial site and reconstructing the artifacts they discover.