PENANG, 26 August 2017 - Professional archaeologists from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will be the prime movers in the Fort Cornwallis Young Archaeologists Programme launched today in Penang.

The programme is now open to schools, families and other interested groups, aimed primarily at students from 10-17 years old.

The programme encourages the public to be involved in the stewardship of local heritage via collaboration between educational institutions, local communities and students.

Participants will receive hands-on experience of archaeological excavation, relating to artefact processing and conservation under the supervision of USM dig experts from the Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR).

The USM team also put up two exhibitions that feature more than 100 historical artefacts retrieved from the archaeological excavation at the fort since February 2017.

This project is funded by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC) and is part of the Penang Museum and Gallery Network (MAGNET) initiative, which aims to promote public participation in local arts, heritage and culture.

The Young Archaeologists Programme is also part of the ongoing excavation activities to uncover the lost structure that originally surrounded the Fort, a famed tourist attraction in Penang.

Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias