The Montpelier Archaeology Department has hosted field schools for more than two decades, beginning in 1987 with James Madison University. The program has grown to include students from a variety of universities, spanning the US and abroad.

The Archaeology Field School at James Madison’s Montpelier is one month long, and is offered one time annually and is available with or without course credit. While Montpelier manages both prehistoric and historic sites, the field school focuses on the historic archaeology of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The field school is an intensive course designed to give students training in field and laboratory techniques. Students are housed at our intern house on the property, and will be introduced to the archaeological method through practical experience while engaged in unit excavations (Phase II and III). Students will also be introduced to survey tools (laser transit) and their use in topographic surveys and establishing a grid.  

                                                      ***Field School will be held from May 25 to June 26, 2020***