2025 US (MS) Bioarcheology at Asylum Hill

Location: FV48+WX Madison, MS, USA

Season: June 29, 2025 to August 2, 2025

Application Deadline: February 7, 2025

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.fieldsciences.org/program/2025-us-ms-asylum-hill/

Discount for AIA members: No

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Center for Field Sciences & University of Mississippi Medical Center

Project Director:
Dr. Jennifer Mack

Project Description:

The state-run Mississippi Lunatic Asylum (later known as the Insane Hospital) opened in 1855 in the capital city of Jackson and closed in 1935. The institution housed patients from all areas of the state and many came with physical maladies in addition to mental conditions. Approximately 1/3 of the 30,000 patients who were admitted over an 80-year period died at the Asylum and more than 4,000 were buried in the cemetery on site, now known as the Asylum Hill Cemetery, where wooden grave markers have long-since deteriorated.   

The former Asylum lands are currently home to the ever-growing University of Mississippi Medical Center, opened in 1955. The Asylum Hill Cemetery is now being respectfully excavated to make way for expansion of vital healthcare services. This presents a research opportunity at a scale rarely seen in the U.S. Students will focus on bioarchaeological methods, including burial excavation, human osteology, and mortuary artifact identification. Students will also learn basic archaeological methods, such as mapping, soil sample collection, and creation of field sketches. 

Previous coursework in human osteology is not required but will be beneficial to participants

Period(s) of Occupation: Historic Period

Notes:
Application deadline is Feb 7, 2025 Tuition cost is $4,350 or $2,790 to students not using Millsaps dorms; Program awards 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter credits units) through our school of record – Culver-Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full length of the program

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: Introduction to Anthropology or Archaeology or a similar course is required. A course in Human Osteology is not required, but a previous knowledge base will allow students to engage more extensively with the fieldwork. This is hands-on, experiential learning, and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors and will get sweaty and tired. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and adequate understanding that field work requires real, hard work, in the sun and rain. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
For students paying full tuition ($4,350): Student accommodation will be single-occupancy rooms (with two rooms sharing a bathroom) in a dormitory at Millsaps College. Students who already live locally or who opt to provide their own accommodation will pay a reduced tuition rate. Participants staying in the Millsaps dormitories will be expected to bring their own bed linens, blankets, pillows, towels, and toiletries sufficient for a 5-week stay. Bathroom tissue is provided. Padded mattress covers were recommended by participants of the 2023 field school. Continental breakfast will be available seven days a week in the Millsaps dormitory kitchen for dorm-stay students only. This will consist of an assortment of items such as cereal, yogurt, granola bars, muffins, bagels, fruit, milk, non-dairy milk, fruit juice, coffee, and tea. The cost of breakfast is included in the field school fees for dorm-stay students. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available upon request. Lunch will be provided on site Monday through Friday. A buffet will allow students to make their own sandwiches and will also include fruits, vegetables, chips, snacks, and water. The cost of site lunches is included in the field school fees for all students. Students who need accommodation for dietary restrictions must inform the project director in advance of arrival in Jackson. Weekend lunches are not included in student fees. On excursion days (optional), the class will stop at a restaurant for the midday meal, but students will be responsible for their own expenses. Be sure to have sufficient funds to cover this meal each week of the field school if you plan to participate. Dinners will be self-catered. There is a small kitchen in the dormitory that students may use, and basic pots, pans, and utensils will be provided for cooking. There are also nearby restaurants, and the dormitories are accessible by food delivery services. Students may opt to shop and dine independently, but the Teaching Assistants will also organize group trips to grocery stores/restaurants as needed.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits Units (equivalent to 12 quarter credit units). Credit units are awarded through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College.