The undersigned institutions join the growing tide of
concern about the National Geographic Channel’s new series “Diggers” and Spike
TV’s forthcoming series “American Digger,” both of which are designed to amuse
and entertain audiences while glorifying the indiscriminate destruction of
American history by artifact hunters. The teaser advertisement for “American Digger”
gives a good indication of how little the producers of these shows value the
historical record; the show aims to “scour target-rich areas such as
battlefields and historic sites, in hopes of striking it rich by unearthing and
selling rare pieces of American history.”
America’s cultural heritage is worth more to all of us than
the few dollars that the “diggers” will pocket as a result of their
exploits. The activities highlighted by these shows destroy the
archaeological record, and in many cases cause damage to the historic site that
remains. America’s
battlefields and historic sites deserve more respect than they would if they were to serve as the
personal hunting ground for treasure seekers and pothunters.
What’s more, by glamorizing this type of activity, these
shows encourage similar behavior by individuals who may not understand that in
many cases, this type of “treasure hunting” is considered criminal
behavior. Digging on federal lands without an archaeological permit is
against the law, and unauthorized digging on state-owned land is illegal in
most jurisdictions. Digging for artifacts on private land without permission
is trespassing at best, and theft at worst. Interstate transportation or
sale of illegally-obtained artifacts may subject a “treasure seeker” to
criminal prosecution under the federal Archaeological Resources Protection
Act.
These laws are in place for good reason: our cultural
heritage is indeed a treasure – one that deserves to be protected, not looted
or destroyed for entertainment’s sake. We urge these two networks to
respect our history, and end production and airing of these shows.
Lawyers' Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation (LCCHP)
Cultural Heritage and Preservation Studies Program at Rutgers University
Penn Cultural Heritage Center
Saving Antiquities for Everyone (SAFE)
