28th Annual Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology
June 5 - July 14, 2017 |
FOREST, VA: Archaeologists play a major role in our understanding of Poplar Forest. When Thomas Jefferson’s retreat opened to the public for the first time in 1986, in its pre-restoration condition, it looked remarkably different than it did in Jefferson’s
time. Since then, thanks to the groundwork done by Poplar Forest’s archaeologists, the octagonal villa has been restored to its Jefferson-era appearance, some key features of the landscape have been restored and more than 300,000 artifacts have been unearthed from sites across the property. Archaeology has also been instrumental in better understanding the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation from Jefferson’s ownership up to emancipation. Multiple quarters where enslaved people lived have been excavated providing intimate details about the lives of the individuals owned by Jefferson. This year, as the archaeological
exploration of the property continues, Poplar Forest will host the 28th annual Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology from June 5 through July 14.
The six-week program 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. Participants in the 2017 summer field school will excavate sites associated with Poplar Forest’s enslaved residents as we work to develop a better understanding of their lives by looking at the
places they lived and worked. The program also includes weekly readings on topics in historical archaeology; lectures by staff and noted authorities on topics such as landscape history, plantation life, nineteenth-century material culture, professional opportunities in archaeology and the role of public archaeology; and a half-day workshop on architectural restoration and preservation philosophy.
The Summer Field School in Historical Archaeology is open to graduate and undergraduate students in anthropology, archaeology, history or historic preservation; 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; and students of Jefferson, African American history and early American history. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have finished high school. The field school carries six credits from the University of Virginia’s School of Arts and Sciences. Scholarships are available.
The deadline for applications is Monday, April 17. For more information on the summer field school program or to download an application visit poplarforest.org/programs/archaeology-field-school or contact Jack Gary, Poplar Forest’s Director of Archaeology and Landscapes at 434.534.8105 or jack@poplarforest.org.
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Website:
poplarforest.org/programs/archaeology-field-school |
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| Location Information |
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Forest, VA |
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| Contact Information |
| Email:
jack@poplarforest.org |
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