Free Archaeology Dig for Kids and Adults

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This summer, all Berrien County residents and visitors will be able to step back in time and help Jan Sigvartsen, PhD, and the Tarragindi Archaeology Dig team find the lost 1838 Old Jailhouse, which stood behind the Old Courthouse near downtown Berrien Springs (Michigan’s oldest courthouse).

There are records of at least three prisoners breaking out of the 1838 Old Jailhouse. Two prisoners even broke out a month before the sheriff was up for reelection!

Due to the generosity of the Berrien Community Foundation, this archaeological dig is completely free for anyone aged 6–106 who wants to dig and registers at the Tarragindi website at tarragindi.org.

You can dig for one day or for an entire week. The dig runs weekdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. for four weeks, June 15–July 10, at 313 N Cass Street, Berrien Springs, Michigan. The dig site will also be open for inspection during the Pickle Festival, July 4, at the same location, along with a display of artifacts found at the dig.