Welcome to

Public Archaeology Corps

Watch: Why Volunteers Matter at Public Archaeology Corps (3-Minute Video)
Discover how our dedicated volunteers help bring history to life in this short video. Special thanks to Steven Schwartz for contributing his video footage and editing expertise.

In Memory of

Patrick H. “Pat” Garrow III

1943-2026

In Memory of Patrick H. “Pat” Garrow III
1943–2026
It is with profound sadness that the Public Archaeology Corps shares the passing of our friend, mentor, Board member, and Laboratory Director, Patrick H. “Pat” Garrow III, who died peacefully at home on August 18, 2026.
For more than 58 years, archaeology was not simply Pat’s profession—it was his passion and his life’s work. We were incredibly fortunate that, after retiring and moving to Wilmington, he chose to share his extraordinary knowledge and experience with PAC.
Those who volunteered beside Pat will remember much more than his impressive résumé.
We will remember the teacher, mentor, and friend.
When something especially interesting was discovered in the lab, Pat couldn’t keep it to himself. He would carry it from table to table so everyone could see it, explaining its age, origin and significance. Pat taught us that an artifact without its context loses much of its story. He helped us understand that history isn’t simply buried—it can be hidden, paved over, forgotten, or left out of the written record.
And perhaps most importantly, Pat made our volunteers feel valued.
Whether you were an experienced archaeologist, a UNCW student, or sitting at a PAC lab table holding an artifact for the very first time, Pat appreciated that you were there. He thanked people for volunteering their time and made sure they understood that their work mattered.
His professional legacy is extraordinary. Pat was a pioneer in Cultural Resource Management archaeology in the Southeast, President of the Register of Professional Archaeologists, a life member of the Society for Historical Archaeology, recipient of the Carol V. Ruppé Distinguished Service Award, an author, researcher, and mentor to many archaeologists. Even in retirement, Pat never really stopped being an archaeologist.
His legacy lives on in his books, research, archaeological discoveries, the professionals he mentored, the students he inspired, the volunteers he taught, and the friends who will never forget him.
Our hearts are with Pat’s wife, Barbara, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose life he touched.
Thank you, Pat, for teaching us. Thank you for challenging us. Thank you for believing in PAC. And thank you for always reminding our volunteers that what they were doing mattered.
You will be deeply missed, Pat. ❤️

Lasting Thoughts

Every day in southeastern North Carolina pieces of our community’s history are lost forever. This unwritten history is found in archaeological deposits below the streets, businesses, and homes you walk by daily. Archaeological sites on private property in North Carolina are not protected, and this is where members of the Public Archaeology Corps get involved. We work with property owners to gain access to these sites before redevelopment and then recover, analyze, and study to learn the real stories of our community. These stories aren’t recorded in their written history.  The practice of archaeology can connect a community to its past and enrich the lives of those who participate.  Preserve the past and enrich the future, join the Corps!