Award-Winning Young Archaeologists in Bishop Auckland

October 2024

The Auckland Project’s Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) are celebrating their success after winning a group award at the Durham Youth Council Awards.

YAC meet once a month on a Saturday, with one session for 7-11 year-olds and one session for 12-16 year-olds. The sessions are led by The Auckland Project and Durham University, and seek to raise the aspirations of young people by encouraging them to engage with their local history and heritage.

John Castling, Archaeology and Social History Curator at The Auckland Project, said: “This award reflects the passion of our YAC members, along with their supportive volunteer and staff leaders. Thanks to their willingness and openness, we’ve been able to create a welcoming and enthusiastic environment where young people can learn more about archaeology and discover how some of the most amazing things in history are right beneath your feet!”

The club was nominated by a parent of one of the members, who said: “YAC provides an alternative to traditional youth club activities for young people who are interested in history and archaeology. YAC gives young people who attend the chance to socialise with others with similar interests and increases self-esteem and confidence, raising aspirations for young people from County Durham.”

It is free to join YAC but due to the popularity of the club, most sessions are over-subscribed.