The SVG Public Archaeology Program, also affectionately known as SVG Digs, was created out of the desire to rescue and record a highly unique and significant archaeological site from being destroyed during construction of the new international airport on the island of St. Vincent in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The results from our pilot season in January 2011 are helping to rewrite the prehistory of this lesser known Caribbean nation… but there is so much more work that needs to be done!

Led by the brilliant and charismatic Margarita de Guzman, this project has captured our attention and shines a light on the potential power of the crowdfunding model.

The inspiration was simply that a really great site was going to get destroyed unless someone (me) did something about it. There were some things that I knew: (1) This site was awesome - up to 2,000 years old, with burials, (2) there was no money, legislation or archaeologists in St. Vincent to protect it, and (3) there are people out there that pay to go on digging vacations (Earthwatch, etc.). "If there's a will, there's a way." I thought I'd give it a shot and see what would happen.

You're definitely approaching a unique issue. What has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of science and discovery in Canada - how are your supporters responding?

While we have been overwhelmed by the contributions we have received so far, most of our contributions have come from family and close friends. It has been difficult to convince the general public of the importance of our project and the importance of saving a piece of St. Vincent's prehistoric past (of which very little is known). There are many people that come up to me and tell me the project is great, but don't do anything about it. Some people think they have to give a lot, but even $5 will make a difference. It has certainly been a financial struggle; all the work and effort that goes into this project is strictly on a volunteer basis. However, I'm not sure how much reach we've had, though we have been shared by some amazing archaeologists, including David Connolly of BAJR Jobs, Past Horizons, and Kristina Kilgrove (of the Roman DNA Project), and perhaps we're not tapping into the right crowd? Your thoughts on this would be great!

On a positive note, we have had a few strangers contribute to our project; this kindness and generosity absolutely amazes me. Combined with the very generous contributions of my family and friends, it's great to see that people believe in me, my team, and our project. I don't think this would have happened without being on RocketHub.

I believe that crowdfunding is so new when it comes to science, academics, anthropology, acrchaeology, etc. that you are educating and promoting at the same time. Usually this is a bit more tricky and takes more time. But your success and persistence is quite clear.

Any advice for others looking to crowdfund a similar project?

Having started this project from scratch, I tell anyone and everyone to just go for it. If I can do it, anyone can. Believe in yourself and believe in your project, and make sure your readers can see that. I don't really know what else to say here.  As a "pioneer," I'm still learning, and would love to get some advice as well!

Thank you for going on this journey and for being a part of the RocketHub community. We're all very happy to have your project and passion.

Support this innovative endeavor, here.

-Vlad