Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the University of Virginia are pleased to offer the Twentieth Annual Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology.

The field school provides a foundation in current methods and theories of historical archaeology, and offers a solid introduction to the practical skills of site survey, excavation, recording, and laboratory procedures. Students will actively participate in our ongoing interpretation of archaeology to the public. In the summer of 2008, field school participants will excavate an early nineteenth-century building complex, believed to be associated with plantation work spaces and possibly slave quarters, adjacent to Jefferson's ornamental grounds.

Aerial of current excavation site

Students will spend 40 hours a week at Poplar Forest, with most of the time split between the excavation site and the archaeology laboratory. Strenuous daily activity will require physical endurance and good health. Participants will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and software, including a total station for recording field information, a database system containing both the archaeological artifact and context records, and a complete inventory of over 1,000 historical documents relating to Poplar Forest.

The program includes:

• weekly readings on topics in historical archaeology
  lectures by staff and noted authorities covering such topics as landscape history, plantation life, 19^th century material culture, professional opportunities in historical archaeology, and the role of public archaeology
  a half-day workshop on architectural restoration and preservation philosophy
  
• day trips and an overnight trip to sites where historical archaeology is underway

The Poplar Forest Field School is designed for the beginner. While some will bring previous experience, for most participants, this will be their first archaeological field school.

Who Should Attend?

• Graduate and undergraduate students in anthropology, archaeology, history, or historic preservation. Museum volunteers and staff. Public and private school teachers in social studies and related subjects. Individuals interested in pursuing archaeology as a career. Individuals interested in archaeology, history, and early American Southern culture.
• Students of Jefferson, African-American, and early American history

Graduate CreditThis field school in historical archaeology carries five graduate credits from the University of Virginia. You can usually transfer these hours toward a graduate or undergraduate degree program. To verify transferability, check with your degree-granting institution prior to taking the course. All students are required to keep a journal documenting field and lab experiences. Other assignments will also be required.

The program is also offered for noncredit.

AccommodationsAccommodations are available at Lynchburg College. Estimated cost is $25 per day. Students are responsible for their own meals and transportation to the site each day.

Special Needs

If your attendance requires any aids or services as addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act, please inform us at least two weeks prior to the course. Call the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies at (434) 982-5319.