University of Wyoming Archaeology Field School 2025: Of Mammoths and Mountains

Location: Wyoming

Season: May 27, 2025 to July 3, 2025

Application Deadline: January 7, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.uwyo.edu/anthropology/fieldschool/wyoming-field-school.html

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University of Wyoming

Project Director:
Randy Haas

Project Description:

The University of Wyoming Archaeology Field school provides professional training in field research methods toward a career in archaeology. Students learn basic and advanced methods in archaeological fieldwork including how to identify chipped stone tools and debris, ceramic sherds, historical artifacts, faunal remains, fire-cracked rock, stone circles and fire hearths; collect sediment, radiocarbon, and flotation samples; read stratigraphic profiles; excavate; record data; read maps; use high-precision total stations, GNSS, and drones for mapping; conduct surface survey; and fill out site forms. All students receive the in-state tuition rate to earn six university credits.

Period(s) of Occupation: This year's field program is located at the following three scenic sites in Wyoming: Session 1 (May 27--June 5): Colby Mammoth Site. Near Worland, WY, students will excavate at the Colby Mammoth site where archaeologists have discovered stone-tool artifacts in possible association with at least seven mammoths that died over 12,000 years ago. Session 2 (June 10--19): Willow Springs stage stop. Willow Springs is a rich spring site and trading nexus near Laramie, WY. The spring appears to have been an important node in trade networks that traversed the Rocky Mountains for some 12,000 years. This year's effort will focus on finding a lost stage stop along the historic Overland Trail. Students will be staying at the University dorm rooms during this session. This effort is being conducted in collaboration with Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist. Students will stay at the University dorms during this session. Session 3 (June 24--July 3): Grand Teton survey. Conduct archaeological survey in one of the nation's most scenic landscapes--Grand Teton National Park. Students will gain training in archaeological discovery and documentation, collaborative community research, and high-altitude anthropology.

Notes:
All students will live in a field camp and must provide their own basic camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.; the field school provides all kitchen and excavation gear). Participants will assist in regular camp chores (cooking, cleaning up, etc.). The work is physically demanding and takes place regardless of Wyoming's fickle weather (which can include rain, snow and/or freezing temperatures even in summer). Students should be in good physical shape, ready to hike steep mountains under arid conditions at elevations over 5280 feet and prepared to eat and live in remote locations away from town, Internet access and cell phone connections. We teach the field school in three 10-day sessions, separated by two, four-day intervals. Students are responsible for themselves during those four days. A 6-credit, 30-day field school is the minimal accepted standard to qualify for entry-level employment on research or Cultural Resource Management projects. Credit from the University of Wyoming field school should be transferable to any academic institution and fulfill the field school requirement of any CRM company. We accept 15 students for the field school and welcome applications from students at any educational level or from any background. We do, however, give preference to those students majoring in anthropology, who seek a career in archaeology, and who have taken at least one archaeology course. The field school is a good place to discover if a career in archaeology is the right place for you.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Room and Board Arrangements:
camping and UW dormitories. Fees included in field school costs.

Academic Credit:
6 credits, University of Wyoming