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
Programme 2026-2027
Saturday 5 September 2026, field trip
To museum en depot Huis van Hilde, the place to be for archaeology in North Holland (Castricum)
More information about this field trip >>
- Tuesday 6 October 2026 (lecture, more information follows)
- Thursday 12 November 2026 (lecture, more information follows)
- Tuesday 2 February 2027 (lecture, more information follows)
- Thursday 15 April 2027 (lecture, more information follows)