Field School

The ARI Public Archaeology Field School is designed to introduce students to archaeological field methodologies. The field school will focus on giving students experience in archaeological survey and excavations methods. We are currently narrowing down our 2025 research plan, but check back later in the spring for more information.  The field school includes a strong public interaction component; students will work with the public and learn how to better share the deep history of the Ohio Valley with members of the community. Students will get the opportunity to learn archaeological survey, unit and feature excavation methods, land restoration and stewardship, and laboratory methods. The Archaeological Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about past cultures through the identification, investigation, and preservation of local archaeological sites. We accomplish this mission by offering curated and learning-outcome-focused educational programming; hands-on archaeological experiences, conducting research, and collaborating with the public to develop inclusive and innovative approaches to public educational programming. Field students will get an opportunity to join this mission and are expected to assist in the mission of public outreach and education. 

Field School Essential Duties  
Students will be trained in the following areas:  

Survey
Students will be introduced to site mapping, compass navigation, and map reading. Students will conduct Phase I shovel test survey, identification of artifacts, mapping, and maintaining detailed notes for analysis. Students will learn about soil horizons and assessing site size. 

Excavation
Students will be introduced to unit and feature excavations. This includes shovel and trowel excavation, feature identification, mapping, photographing, artifact identification, and flotation collection. Excavations will include 1x2m excavation units, block excavation, and feature excavation. Students will be trained in Munsell use, soil types, and how to problem-solve excavations. 

Lab Methods
Students will be introduced to lab stabilization and analysis. This includes flotation, artifact washing, artifact sorting by material culture class, and stabilization and curation techniques. Students will learn how to identify artifact classes, and initial levels of analysis (including the categories of a diagnostic artifact, exotic materials, and use-wear). Students will be introduced to basic concepts of curation, accessioning, and stabilization. 

Public Outreach

Students will be asked to help guide members of the public on tours of the archaeological site, teach about the archaeology of the Ohio Valley and basic archaeological methods. Students will be responsible for creating public interpretation aids by the end of their field season.   

Land Stewardship
Students will be introduced to the concept of Land Stewardship and the multiple stakeholders in archaeological concerns including landowners, descendent communities, the public, municipal governments, and archaeologists, Students will be expected to assist in ARI’s program of transitioning an archaeological site from an agricultural field to a stewardship taking all stakeholders concerns into account.  

Legal and Ethical Obligations
Students will be exposed to the legal and ethical standards of archaeology. These will be guided by the SAA standards and practices, federal and state laws (such as Section 106 of the NRHP and NAGPRA), and ARI standards of consultation with descendant communities.   

Enrollment:  
Enrollment is open to all students and individuals looking to attend an archaeology field school. At least one course in anthropology or archaeology is preferred. The field school restricts enrollment to 12 persons per session to ensure a quality experience for each student. Since enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Preference will be given to anthropology and archaeology majors. Please review the deadlines for application according to the session of your preference. Within a week following the application deadline, students will be notified of their acceptance into the field school.  

Course Credit:  
Students wishing to receive course credit should have their advisors reach out to fieldschool@exploreARI.org or call 812.290.2966. It may be possible for ARI and your university to work out an agreement for credit of a field school or credit for an independent study.  

Accommodations:  
Campground facilities are available for students at the public archaeology field school. Students must review and sign the campground rules, liability waiver and bring all required items. Please indicate in the field school application if you intend to use the campground facilities.  

Campers are required to bring: Personal tent, sleeping equipment, plastic tub for toiletries, personal towel, plastic tub for food items, camp chair, toiletries, laundry items.  

Campers have access to: Community kitchen and dining area, community shower, port-a-potty, community firepit and tent areas.