The Young Archaeologists' Club: North Hertfordshire Branch
The Young Archaeologists' Club started in 1972, when it was called Young Rescue. Kate Pretty and Mike Corbishley set up their own local branches of the Club so members got a chance to get their hands dirty with practical activities. Eventually, the club was taken over by the Council for British Archaeology and it now has more than sixty branches and over 3000 members across England and Wales.
Although North Hertfordshire Museums Service had long run events aimed at children, it was not until 2003 that its own branch of the Young Archaeologists' Club was set up. Since then, the branch has grown to have about forty members, who take part in a wide range of activities, including practical workshops, site visits and fieldwork.
Membership
Membership of the branch is open to anyone aged 8 to 16 (under eights may join as YAC Supporters). Members receive a membership pack (certificate, badge and membership card), Young Archaeologist magazine (published four times a year), a pass giving free entry or reductions at museums and heritage attractions across the UK and the opportunity to go on YAC activity holidays. Membership costs £12 a year for over eights or £15 for a family of children up to a maximum of five; the whole family can join for £40 a year. Leaflets are available from Letchworth and Hitchin Museums; you can also join online 
, but if you do so, you must join the local branch separately.
Opportunities to participate
The Club is run for its members by the Archaeological Service, but there are opportunities for parents and other members of the public (aged over 16) to take part as assistants. Helpers are not expected to have any archaeological knowledge - just enthusiasm and commitment.
All adults over 16 must complete an enhanced CRB check successfully before participating: we will arrange it for you.
Contact
Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews
Museums Rource Centre
Burymead Road
Hitchin
Herts
SG4 9AA
Telephone (01462) 434896
Email: service@north-herts.gov.uk 
