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18th and 19th Century River Town Archaeological Field School

Dates: May 25, 2025 – July 27, 2026
Organization: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
University Affiliation:Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Application Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Terrestrial: Yes
Underwater: No
State: Pennsylvania

Description:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is offering two concurrent historical archaeology field schools at the site of Newport (36IN188), Pennsylvania. This field school is certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA).

Newport, located near Blairsville, Pennsylvania, was founded circa 1790 and served as an important river town until the early 19th century. The town included several businesses, a hotel, a post office, and a wharf. The site is now completely abandoned. This year’s archaeological investigations will include shovel test pits, excavation units, geophysics, metal detecting, photogrammetry, and artifact analysis to better understand commerce and travel through the Pennsylvania frontier. Students will be exposed to both traditional and high-tech techniques with the goal of preparing them for cultural resource management and academic careers.

ANTH 320/520 Archaeological Field School (6 credits)

An introduction to archaeological survey, field excavation, and laboratory processing.

ANTH 740 Advanced Archaeological Field Methods (4 credits)

Advanced instruction in survey and excavation field methods and technology, with an emphasis on the application of research designs to field settings, and the logistics of supervising field projects.

Cost

Variable depending on credits and undergrad or grad level. The cost can be estimated using the IUP Tuition and Fee Cost Estimator (https://www.iup.edu/admissions/undergraduate/costs-financial-aid-scholarships/costs/index.html). Housing may be available through the IUP Office of Housing and Residence Life (https://www.iup.edu/housing/index.html) or can be obtained individually.

Registration

Visit the Summer Sessions website (https://www.iup.edu/summer/index.html).

For additional information, contact Professor Ben Ford at ben.ford@iup.edu.

UWF Maritime, Terrestrial, and Combined Field Schools

Dates: May 18, 2026 – June 26, 2026
Organization: University of West Florida Archaeology Institute and Department of Anthropology
University Affiliation: University of West Florida
Application Closing Date: May 1, 2026
Terrestrial: Yes
Underwater: Yes
State: Florida

Description:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is offering three historical archaeology field schools in the greater Pensacola, Florida area. These field schools are certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA).

Terrestrial Archaeological Field School

This year, the UWF terrestrial archaeological field school will spend six weeks conducting excavations at the mid-18th-century Apalachee mission village of San Joseph de Escambe, situated in Molino, Florida, just over 20 miles north of Pensacola along the Escambia River. Previous excavations at the site between 2009 and 2015, and more recently in 2025, revealed evidence for Spanish and Apalachee structures including a fortified stockade and a possible round house, and an artifact assemblage blending indigenous and Euro-American material culture within the borderlands between colonial New Spain’s Gulf coast presidio at Pensacola and its French- and British-allied Native neighbors to the west and north. This summer’s work will continue to explore the mission site, as well as overlying traces of an adjacent Reconstruction-era steam-powered sawmill just below the bluff. For more information, see Dr. John Worth’s webpage for the mission.

Maritime and Combined Field Schools

Students participating in UWF maritime and combined maritime/terrestrial field schools will gain experience in geophysical survey using magnetometer, side-scan sonar, and subbottom profiler; participate in excavation at the Rosario shipwreck in Pensacola Bay, a Spanish vessel which sank in 1705; learn skills in hull recording; conduct investigations of targets associated with the 1559 Luna expedition; and develop expertise in underwater photography and photogrammetry. Site assessments on known historic wrecks located in the area will also be undertaken. Fieldwork will be supplemented by lectures and discussions on themes ranging from the colonization of northwest Florida, maritime landscapes, and economic maritime connections in the Gulf region. When not diving, students will perform topside duties such as dive tending and support, artifact recording, and database entry. Students will also be called on to participate in the conservation and laboratory analysis of recovered material. Excavation activities will include the establishment of site control grids, setting up excavation units, basic excavation techniques using an induction dredge, use of hand tools, screening techniques, and field documentation.

Credit Hours and Cost

Credits are available for undergraduate and graduate courses (ANT 4824, ANT4835, and ANG 6824). Cost varies depending on credits and level. Contact anthropology@uwf.edu for more information.

Registration

Visit the University of West Florida Field Schools page to learn more and to express interest via online application.

For additional information, contact UWF at anthropology@uwf.edu.

Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project Public Archaeology Field School

Dates: June 29- July 24, 2026
Organization: Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology
University Affiliation: Southern Oregon University
Application Closing Date: May 1, 2026 (or when full)
Terrestrial: Yes
Underwater: No
State: Oregon

Description:

Embark on an intensive four week, 4-credit course (ES 408) where you will be part of the team conducting archaeological investigations with the award-winning Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project. This dynamic program will introduce you to historical archaeology method and theory, remote sensing and GPS technologies, survey techniques, hands-on excavation, artifact identification, stratigraphy and primary document analysis, all while learning the art of public outreach through fieldwork, enriching guest speakers and field trips.

This year’s program will include additional public outreach opportunities and events as part of the America 250 commemoration. The class will take place on multiple sites in eastern Oregon, where we will follow the dusty trails of Chinese American cowboys, excavate in a once-booming ghost town, and get a taste of the history of some of Oregon’s early Chinese American restaurants.

To Apply

In an email, please provide your name, address, email and phone numbers, your university/college, major, class standing, and the name, phone number, and email of two references. Describe, in one or two paragraphs, how attending an archaeological field school focused on the Chinese diaspora can enrich your personal, educational, and professional goals, and how your participation, in turn, will add value to the project. Email this to the project director, Chelsea Rose.

Credit Hours and Cost

The field school costs a flat $2,500 fee for all students (in and out of state) and covers camping, meals, and daily transportation to the site and associated events. Students will be responsible for getting themselves to and from the field school start and end points. 

Edmonds College Historic Japanese Gulch 2026 Field School

Dates: July 6, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Organization: Edmonds College Anthropology Department
University Affiliation: Edmonds College
Registration Opening Date: May 21, 2026
Registration Closing Date: June 20, 2026
Terrestrial: Yes
Underwater: No
State: Washington
 

Description:

Edmonds College will be returning to Japanese Gulch in Mukilteo, WA, in July 2026, following a successful 2025 field season. Last season’s favorite artifact finds included:

  • World War I Army jacket button
  • Intact facial cream jars
  • Children’s toys: jacks and toy car wheels
  • Railroad spike
  • Hand-painted Japanese porcelain

Check out stories from last season:

This year students will help answer research questions relating to:

  • Developing a clearer understanding of potential building features located in 2025
  • Establishing dates of strata
  • Do any of the remains reflect community activities?
  • What evidence exists for acculturation or maintenance of traditional/ethnic lifeways?
  • Is there evidence of women and children?
  • Is there evidence of socioeconomic status?

This field school is for those interested in historical archaeology, Japanese American heritage, cultural resource management training, and no prior experience opportunity. Students will take field trips to the historic town of Mukilteo, WA, and the Burke Museum. Professional archaeologists will act as guest speakers, providing expertise and networking opportunities.

Site background:
Japanese Gulch developed alongside the Mukilteo Lumber Company, which began hiring Japanese workers in 1903. The community grew from 35 residents in 1903 to 100 by 1909, expanding further after the Crown Lumber Company purchased the mill. Japanese-American workers were vital to industries across the Pacific Northwest, including lumber, farming, and railroads (NWAA 2009, 14). Ethnographic accounts and archaeological evidence reveal a vibrant community with single-story family homes, a dormitory for 45 single men, a playground, a community hall, and a boys’ club (SWCA 2011, 13–14). Residents sourced goods from Japan or local merchants, utilized nearby resources, and shopped at the Crown Company Store (NWAA 2009, 55–56). However, the late 1920s economic downturn led to the Crown Lumber Company’s closure in 1930, causing residents to leave in search of work and marking the decline of Japanese Gulch.

Join us during our 2026 season to uncover more details about this community and their everyday lives. Students learn and practice standard archaeological field and lab skills necessary to work in Cultural Resources Management Careers.

Details

  • Location: Mukilteo, WA

  • Cost $989.78 (tuition and fees) for Washington State Residents, $2415.10 (tuition and fees) for non-Washington State Residents

  • Dates- Start/end- July 6th-August 1st

  • Time start/end 8:30 am-3:30 pm

Transcript Information

  • Credits 7 Anthropology credits. 

  • Archaeology Field Methods and Archaeology Lab Methods ANTH 270 & ANTH 271; ANTH 272 & ANTH273; ANTH 274 & ANTH 275

  • Meets Social Science distribution and Cultural Diversity Requirements.

Application, Enrollment, and Tuition

Notes

  • The class will take place from July 6-July 31, 2026, five days a week from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. 

  • All equipment will be provided, and students will be responsible for transporting themselves to/from the site with a packed lunch and snacks for the day (there are no close food options with the break time permitted). 

  • This is a physical, hands-on class where students will learn field excavations techniques and lab processing. 

  • No prior anthropology or archaeology experience is required. All students are welcome to enroll in Anthropology 270/271 (Archaeology Field Methods 270 and Archaeology Lab Methods). Students who have already taken Anth 270 may enroll in Anth 272/273 or 274/275 based on experience. 

Internship Opportunity

Edmonds College Anthropology Department is offering the opportunity for an Archaeology Internship as part of our Archaeology Field School Program. Upon instructor approval, interns will register for Anth 298 5-credit class. 

Internship requirements

All interns must have completed at least one prior field school with supplemental experience (e.g. lab experience, professional CRM experience, completion of a certificate program, or graduate experience).  

Internship details

Students may apply as a research intern, excavation intern, or field lab intern. All interns will participate in day-to-day field activity support, including site setup and site paperwork quality checks. Independent projects include mentoring Archaeology 270/271; 272/273; 274/275 students in the following capacity:

  • Research interns will focus on site background development, analysis of historic images and maps as well as geographic data collection.

  • Field interns will support mentoring students in digging shovel probes and test units.

  • Field lab interns will mentor students in sorting labeling and washing artifacts in the field. 

  • Completion of weekly summary report

Application and enrollment

After Admission to Edmonds College, and to apply for an internship course credit (Anth 298), please email ashley.pickard@edmonds.edu the following application material:

  • A current resume or curriculum vitae, including previous field school/work experience.

  • A detailed one-page statement of personal, academic, and professional reasons for participating.

  • The names and contact information of at least one academic or professional reference.

  • Please email application materials to ashley.pickard@edmonds.edu by June 20th

  • Interns must enroll in Anth 298

  • Please enroll at Edmonds College and choose Option 1

  • Enrollment opens May 21st, 2026

Housing

Archaeology field school students can choose to live in the Edmonds College Residential Halls. 

  • $150 application fee

  • $55 per day for a room (this covers rent, furniture, wifi, utilities, parking, and a single bedroom in an apartment with a full kitchen living room, and bathroom)

  • Financial Aid can be used to cover housing fees

Detailed about the residential halls and how to apply can be found at the Edmonds College Housing and Residential Life Website

Apex, Arizona Archaeology Project Field School

Dates: May 25 to June 19, 2026
Organization: Northern Arizona University and the Kaibab National Forest
University Affiliation: Northern Arizona University
Application Closing Date: April 10, 2026
Terrestrial: Yes
Underwater: No
State: Arizona
 

Description:

Apex, Arizona was a 1928-1936 logging camp along the Grand Canyon Railway outside of Tusayan, Arizona, and just south of the Grand Canyon. the past four years, archaeological field school students have found toys left behind by the camp’s children, evidence for alcohol consumption during Prohibition, and ethnic markers for the camps American, Scandinavian, and Mexican residents.

In our fifth year of field work, we will conduct survey, excavations, and geoarchaeology of the domestic features, sites of labor, and the logging railroad. We will also take field trips to the Grand Canyon and historic and prehistoric sites around the area!

Undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in Historical Archaeology and looking for hands-on experience in excavation, survey, mapping, artifact analysis, and public archaeology are encouraged to apply and earn 3 credits!

For more information and an application, visit https://nau.edu/anthropology/apex-arizona-archaeology-project/ or contact Dr. Emily Dale at emily.dale@nau.edu

Cost

Approximately $2,000.00 — Includes 3 credits, transportation to and from Flagstaff and the site, meals, and campsite fees.

  • There is an additional $25 fee for non-NAU students to enroll as a “Non-Degree Seeking” student.
  • Not included: housing outside of field days and personal expenses.

Smith's Island Archaeology Project (SIAP)

Dates:May 24, 2026 – June 29, 2026
Organization: University of Rochester
University Affiliation: University of Rochester
Application Closing Date: April 1, 2026
Terrestrial: Yes
Underwater: No
Location: Bermuda
 

Description:

Now entering its eleventh season, the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project (SIAP) invites applications to join the University of Rochester’s Summer 2026 Field School in Bermuda, running May 25 to June 29. Fieldwork will focus on expanding ongoing excavations at two of Bermuda’s earliest sites: the 1612 First Town site at Smallpox Bay (featured as the cover story of Dec. 2024’s Smithsonian Magazine) and the Smith’s Fort Commander’s House (c.1615-1712).
 
NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH ARCHAEOLOGY OR HISTORY NEEDED
 
Field school participants will get:
  • Instruction in all aspects of excavation fieldwork, artifact analysis and archival research
  • Learn about Bermudian, Atlantic and colonial history on an island at its center
  • First-hand experience unearthing one of the earliest towns in British America
  • Introduction to photogrammetry, ground penetrating radar, and 3D modeling applications
  • Guided visits to local sites spanning 500 years of history
  • 4 credits that can be used for Archaeology, Anthropology, History and other majors, minors or clusters
Accepted students will enroll in one of two courses:
 
HIST 258 This course introduces you to historic research and field methods in historical archaeology. In the broadest sense, you will learn about cultures and colonization in the early modern Atlantic world through a multidisciplinary approach that draws on documentary, material culture, and architectural sources. Although most of our time will be spent in the field excavating sites on Smith’s Island, we will use the entire island of Bermuda and its 400-year history as a classroom for exploring topics such as landscape archaeology, maritime archaeology, historical research, slavery, gender, creolization and ethnogenesis. You will learn about Bermuda’s local history and contemporary culture through field trips, lectures, readings, personal exploration and working alongside Bermudian volunteers. Through public involvement with this dig and visits to local museums, you will gain insights into the fields of public history and archaeology. By the end of this course, you will be competent in basic field excavation techniques, early modern artifact identification, archival research, and the identification of architectural trends. HIST 497, a graduate credit version of this course is also available for enrollment.

HIS 358 This course expands and deepens fieldwork, research, and lab analysis skills for students who have already completed an accredited field school or have substantial professional archaeological experience. Students will choose a specialized track of professional development such as site management and supervision, lab management and collections processing, digital archaeology documentation and recording, ground penetrating radar survey, GIS and database management, public archaeology & community outreach, or a specialization developed in consultation with the SIAP director. HIST 358 students may be required to stay an additional week after fieldwork ends to process data and contribute to the final site report.

Cost

$5,500 + airfare, which includes room and board food, tuition, travel within Bermuda, and excursion admission fees. 
 
Registration
 
To enroll, please use the UR Center for Study Abroad Application portal: https://studyabroad.rochester.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10009
 

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