History in Hand goes far beyond simply providing artifacts and instructions. Our programs include all the materials from toothbrushes to magnifiers and all the information required so instructors can place their focus where it belongs; on educating and involving young people.
Recreating a dig in the classical world at Thessalonika or simulating a program in experimental archaeology in the remote american southwest requires no prior knowledge on the part of the instructor. History in Hand uses input from knowledgeable and experienced subject experts, archaeologists and youth educators as consultants and evaluators to design our programs and materials ensuring accuracy and integrity in our programs.
the Digsite
For students, the digsite is an enjoyable and memorable part of one of our programs. Setting the site up for them is a simple process with our 'dig in a box' concept.
For instructors, placement of the stakes and strings to create the dig (as well as program specific components such as a fire-ring for our Digging Prehistoric America program) are all clearly explained in our instructors' guide as well as suggestions for organizing the artifacts, the depths to bury different items and record keeping of their locations.
For the students, brushes, trowels and sifters, liberally seasoned with imagination provide all the ingredients to transport them to the Mayan jungle, the ruins of a classical greek temple or the wilderness at Chancellorsville.
t
he Classroom
History in Hand provides both tools and instructions students will need in order to properly clean their found artifacts. Magnifiers to examine the artifacts, toothbrushes and a safe chemical solution to clean them are all included in the package
Our reference materials are designed to educate and inform students in a lively and engaging manner. Illustrated with custom artwork commissioned specially for our programs as well as photos and images of the people places and objects discussed, they provide students with both clear and concise instructions for cleaning, identifying and preserving their artifacts and an historical context for the program. Produced in colour, these primers can be printed and distributed to the students or run as a slideshow.
We also provide a customizable layout for a Certificate of Course Completion which can be printed with the students name and handed out at the end of the program and a list of suggested reading to help them continue their studies independantly.
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.