The fifth and final week of the 2010 Poplar Forest Field School started off with a bang. Well, multiple bangs, as the fireworks popped in celebration of our country's declared independence 234 years ago. Poplar Forest held its traditional celebration on Sunday, offering a variety of activities and festivities to the public. Temperatures in the high 90s did not keep the crowds away, however, as many of the local folk came out to celebrate with us and to learn a bit more about one of America's Founding Fathers and his retreat in (modern-day) Bedford County. As part of their mission to keep the public informed about the projects being carried out on the property and their importance and relevance to today's society, the students of the Field School invited the curious passersby over to their respective sites to discuss the work currently being done. This gave them the opportunity to engage with genuinely interested visitors and to explain the importance of archaeology to our understanding of history, especially at Poplar Forest. Unfortunately for the inquisitive children, though, they have not found a dinosaur bone this summer, but the crew at Poplar Forest will certainly be sure to let you all know if they ever do! Although the interaction with the public prevented the students from accomplishing much work within their units, the day provided good experience for them all as aspiring archaeologists, because they all were able to see that one of the main reasons for Poplar Forest's success is the support of the local populace.

It was out to the field on Monday and Tuesday, however. Roughly half of the students have begun the final procedures to close out their units for the summer and are simply trowelling to level out the bottom of each individual unit and mapping (both plan and profile) to record the final surfaces. The other half are still thoroughly excavating, and it remains to be seen whether they will finish them up in time for their departure on Friday.
 
Wednesday morning, the students were given a special treat, an opportunity that few ever get to experience. They were led up onto the sharply angled roof of Poplar Forest and looked down upon an unique view of the property. It is certainly a sight to see! The panoramic scenery is simply stunning! Afterwards, it was back to the site, where it was discovered that a slot trench running through one of the units expanded into a much larger feature. The discovery was actually made on Sunday, but was furiously excavated by Poplar Forest's Director of Archaeology and Landscapes, Jack Gary. Large stones have been spotted at the bottom of the unit, suggesting that a massive posthole or building pier once stood there. Further excavation will likely solidify the exact interpretation of the feature. In the afternoon, the students were called in early to hear Crystal Collins, the Field School TA this summer, speak on the "Archaeology of Childhood at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest," a topic which she has been researching for some time now.

Thursday was the last full day the students of the Field School were out in the field, and although a somber mood has overtaken many of them as the realization that the field school is almost complete, the day wasn't devoid of excitement. A major artifact discovery was made by a group of students working at Site B when they uncovered a large piece of ceramic, the bottom of a plate on which was a clear and complete maker's mark and importer’s mark. The find was the first of its kind during this field season and brought a lot of buzz to the group. The importer’s mark identifies the merchants in Lynchburg who distributed it. Only two other plates bearing this mark have been found at Poplar Forest. It was a great way to cap the end of the Field School.

Friday will be a short and relatively relaxing day. The majority of the site will be unveiled for the first time for the students, which should give them a better perspective of the sites as a whole. The day will end early, as the students all go their separate ways, but the experience and memories will be cherished by all forever.