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Archaeological Working Group

The Argeologysk Wurkferbân (Archaeological Working Group) aims to bring together amateur archaeologists in Fryslân. With numerous activities, we try to support archaeological research in the province.

By organising lectures, courses, practical activities and excursions, we try to increase members' archaeological knowledge. This can help make this hobby more meaningful. Another appealing activity is that members can participate in excavations organised by competent bodies.

 

Founding year

1983

 

Board and contact

Chair: Sible de Roos
Secretary: Koos Tiemersma (e-mail)

What do we do?

  • Lectures: by professionals and members, on various subjects and periods: from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages;
  • Excursions: to museums and archaeological monuments, both in and outside Friesland;
  • Excavations: assisting with both large scientific projects and smaller emergency excavations;
  • Courses: mainly focused on practice; recognizing shards and flint tools, conducting field surveys, measuring, inventorying, etc.;
  • Finds processing: identifying, describing, gluing and preserving finds.

With all these activities we try to support archaeological research in Friesland. Anyone who is interested in antiquities and early history and wants to do more with this hobby, can become a member of the Archeologysk Wurkferbân. The only condition is that you also become a donor to the Fryske Akademy at the same time. 

You can register by sending an email to secretary Koos Tiemersma.

'Diggelgoud. 25 jier Argeologysk Wurkferbân' (2008)

In the volume Diggelgoud (2008), published on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Archeologysk Wurkferbân of the Fryske Akademy, 38 authors provide an overview of the state of affairs in Frisian archaeology, the most important finds and discoveries of the past decades, the collaboration of scientists and amateurs, and the results of that collaboration in numerous field projects, based on concrete finds - from prehistoric artefacts via Roman coins, weights and oven remains to medieval jewellery and abandoned churchyards.

The book can be ordered via the Afûk web shop for only € 2.50.

Agenda

Winter programme 2025-2026

Tuesday 07-10-2025 
Members' meeting with a lecture by Cuno Koopstra, archaeologist and project manager at Movares, on the latest findings from the excavation at Waagplein in Leeuwarden in 2023. 
More information >>

  • Tuesday 07-10-2025 Lecture, more information follows
  • Thursday 27-11-2025 Lecture, more information follows
  • Tuesday 03-02-2026 Lecture, more information follows
  • Thursday 16-04-2026 Lecture, more information follows

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Earlier in the winter programme 2025-2026

  • Saturday 6 september 2025: Excursion to Franeker (13:00, Museum Martena, Franeker)
    The programme (NL) consists of a city walk starting at Museum Martena, a visit to Museum Martena with a guided tour and a visit to the Planetarium. Package deal €15.00 per person, coffee/tea with cake €2.50 per person. Registration is necessary. 
    More information >>>