Adopt-A-Pit Program

Become a partner in exploration and help tell a story that took place 13,000 years ago! Sponsor an excavation pit at the Byron Dig. The Hiscock Site, in Northeastern Genesee County, New York is considered one of North America’s most important locations for fossils and archaeological artifacts from the late Ice Age.

Discovered in 1959, the site is has been continuously excavated by the Museum since 1983. The owners donated 10 acres to the Buffalo Museum of Science in 1989. The Smith Foundation of Buffalo purchased another 42 acres for the Museum to protect the site and provide space for work crews. To date, about 20 percent has been excavated, but each year surprises surface that inspire further research.

Led by Dr. Richard S. Laub, Curator of Geology, each summer scores of volunteers meticulously sort through dirt and stone for three weeks searching for clues to help us understand the Ice Age world. The site has yielded many historic finds over the years—a mastodon jaw, tusks and teeth to countless pieces of bone, tools, ceramics, metal and leather.

The Museum is seeking financial support to ensure these important scientific discoveries continue. You can help through the Adopt-A-Pit program. A $2,500 contribution funds excavation of one pit, 2.5 x 2.5 meters. The area is completely excavated in your name, or that of your organization, by a team of five workers who collectively devote approximately 450 hours to the effort. You can visit the dig and see first-hand how your contribution is furthering scientific knowledge.

After the summer’s collection has been processed and analyzed (generally by the following spring) you receive a report of what was discovered in your pit. It outlines how findings fit into other areas excavated at the Byron Dig, and what they tell us about the transition of our region from the Ice Age to the modern world.

To showcase your contribution, a display case containing the most significant specimens from your pit, and bearing your name, will be on exhibit at the Museum for six months.

Corporate Benefits

• Display case bearing your company logo.
• Listing in the Museum’s Annual Report
• Recognition as an Adopt-A-Pit sponsor on the Buffalo Museum of Science web site
• Five complimentary family memberships
• One time use of either the Museum Conference Room or 400-seat Auditorium

Please call Michelle Rudnicki at (716) 896-5200, ext. 359 for more information about this exciting opportunity or click here for a pledge form.