Tom Askjem digs history - literally! The self-taught citizen archeologist makes his living digging for historical treasure on sites where outhouses (which were also used as garbage pits) and homesteads used to sit. There he unearths history and uncovers stories from items that might otherwise be lost forever. Askjem will highlight two digs in spots from the Wild West era – Fort Pembina, ND, and Tackett Station, a former stagecoach stop in South Dakota. Askjem will share some of his finds and explain how he researches and locates his targets. He'll also explain what led to the unique occupation that has taken him across the Midwest, produced two books (so far), and is subject of the YouTube channel "Below the Plains." This session goes more in-depth and is most appropriate for teens(13+) and adults.

This event is part of the "Adventure Begins at Your Library" Summer Reading Challenge sponsored, in part, by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library.