Strawbery Banke Museum 2018 Archaeological Field School

Location: Portsmouth, NH, US

Season: June 4, 2018 to June 29, 2018

Session Dates: Field Session: June 4-15, Lab Session: June 18-29

Application Deadline: June 1, 2018

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://www.strawberybanke.org/fieldschool.cfm

Program Type:
Field school

RPA Certified:
no

Affiliation:
Strawbery Banke Museum

Project Director:
Alexandra Martin, Ph.D., RPA; Archaeologist, Strawbery Banke Museum; Affiliate Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of NH

Project Description:

This summer is the museum’s 22nd annual archaeological field school. This year’s excavations will continue to focus on preserving archaeological resources surrounding the historic Penhallow House in advance of the house’s rehabilitation as part of the Heritage House Program.  This course is intended to offer students in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, history, or related fields hands-on training in field and lab methodology.  Museum tours, required readings on Historical Archaeology, and quizzes will introduce students to various areas of historic specialization.  This summer the museum will offer a field session as well as a lab session (by popular request). Students may choose either or both (the field session is not a pre-requisite for the lab session).

During the Field Session (June 4-15), students will be trained in archaeological field techniques and will learn to identify historic artifacts. This field school places a special emphasis on public interpretation. Students will interact with museum visitors daily, and will be expected to offer interpretation of the site and our excavation activity.

During the Lab Session (June 18-29), students will work in the Carter Collections Center laboratory to gain experience in processing, identifying, and cataloging artifacts recovered from the Penhallow site. Students will be expected to prepare a blog post or interpretive panel to describe artifacts to museum visitors.

Period(s) of Occupation: 18th-20th century

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Age: 16

Experience Required: Requirements: This field school does not require previous archaeological field experience, though coursework in anthropology, archaeology, or history might be helpful. Prospective students who are not currently pursuing a related course of study might want to consider the museum's Archaeological Workshop. Archaeological fieldwork can be demanding. Students should be able to work well as part of a team and tolerate physical activity in the summer weather. Students should also be comfortable kneeling, bent, or standing for long periods of time; and be able to lift heavy loads, climb in and out of deep trenches, and work on uneven terrain. Anyone concerned about the requirements should contact the instructor for more details. Fieldwork arrangements for individual disabled students are handled on a case-by-case basis. Working arrangements may be made such that any student can take part in as much of the project as possible.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students are responsible for their own accommodations and transportation.  A very limited number of spaces in museum housing may be available. Inquire with field school director Alix Martin. Cost: $420 per person ($370 for Strawbery Banke members) per session