The exact location where an artifact is found tells archaeologists a lot about the artifact. Removing an artifact from where it was found can cause it to be useless for gaining new information about the past.
Just as important as where an artifact is found is what other artifacts are found near it. Digging in the vicinity of an artifact is likely to disturb other artifacts and can destroy an archaeological site. Archaeologists have ways of documenting and interpreting a site which maximize the amount of information gained during excavation. Attempting an excavation without professional supervision and equipment can be disastrous for a site.
Drawing or photographing any artifact you find is a nondestructive way of gaining a souvenir of your discovery and will allow you to show others what you have found.
Call or write to an archaeologist if you think you have found an artifact. Every state has a State Archaeologist whose number should be in the phone book. Let them know where it is and what you think it may be. Show them your drawing or photograph.
Most archaeological excavations welcome volunteers as assistants. Getting involved in a professional excavation will give you a great experience and will give your site a chance to tell its story.
In some cases, removing an artifact from where you found it is against the law. In other cases, there are required procedures to follow in notifying your state archaeologist about your discovery.
Follow this link for more info on archaeology and the law.
April M. Beisaw