Fort archaeologists win award for developing hobbyist diggers

Fort Vancouver — Three archaeologists at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site were honored by the Oregon Archaeological Society’s 2011 President’s Award. Doug Wilson, Bob Cromwell and Elaine Dorset were recognized for their work with the Northwest Cultural Resources Institute, which provides opportunities for “avocational archaeologists” to learn scientific digging methods while helping perform excavations at the fort. Those hobbyists often become volunteers who host and educate site visitors, especially young summer campers.