Field Schools!

It's that time of the year again... different archaeology projects are busy preparing for their summer field schools. Field schools are an opportunity for those interested in archaeological excavation to gain intensive, hands-on experience in the field. Field schools typically last around six weeks and students receive instruction in all aspects of archaeological investigation from professionals in the field. Completion of a field school is a basic requirement for almost any job in the field of archaeology. Luckily field schools are offered all over the country (and all over the world!!) so you can find one that meets your specific interests.

Last summer I worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Archaeology in Annapolis field school which was held for 3 weeks at the Wye House on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and for 3 weeks in the Historic District of Annapolis. You may want to check-out some of the posts on this blog from May, June and July of 2008 to read about last year's work. The field school this year will also be held in both locations. If you are considering a career in Historical Archaeology, this field school is the best of both worlds in that it offers instruction in both an urban and plantation environment. For more information about the University of Maryland, Archaeology in Annapolis field school see the following link:

http://www.bsos.umd.edu/anth/aia/school.htm

There's lots of opportunities for field schools in Historic, Prehistoric and Underwater Archaeology. A great place to learn about field schools (and archaeology jobs) is through a website called shovelbums. Here's the link to the field school page:
http://www.shovelbums.org/component/option,com_sobi2/catid,44/Itemid,880/

If you have any questions or would like some suggestions about what type of field school might be best for you, post a comment or email us at seekingliberty@gmail.com.