Archaeology in Winter: What Happens When Excavations End

When most people imagine archaeology, they picture neat rectangular trenches, trowels scraping through soil, and newly uncovered artifacts lifted carefully into the light. While excavation season is certainly exciting, it only lasts a few short months each year. When winter arrives and the ground freezes, archaeology doesn’t stop—it simply moves indoors. When the digs end, that’s when discovery begins!

A Season of Careful Work in the Lab

Winter is when our lab comes alive. Artifacts recovered during the field season are carefully washed, sorted, labeled, and cataloged as part of the archaeological research process. Visitors are often surprised to learn just how hands-on this work can be. Pottery fragments, stone tools, animal bones, and soil samples all pass through our lab, and every item tells part of a larger story.

With guidance from our staff at the Archaeological Research Institute, volunteers help record measurements, identify materials, and prepare artifacts for long-term care. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn—making this work an accessible entry point for those interested in archaeology volunteer opportunities.

From Artifacts to Answers

As the season progresses, we shift from organizing artifacts to interpreting them. This is where archaeology becomes detective work. Through careful artifact analysis, we look for patterns, compare objects from different areas of a site, and consult specialists who study everything from ancient diets to environmental change.

Tiny clues—like a charred seed or a worn edge on a stone tool—can reveal how people lived, worked, and adapted to their world. These discoveries don’t happen in isolation; they emerge through collaboration, careful observation, and time.

Turning Research into Stories

Winter is also when we share what we’ve learned. Writing reports and preparing presentations allows us to turn archaeological data into stories that can be preserved and shared with both researchers and the public. These reports ensure that the knowledge gained through archaeology remains accessible for future generations.

Staying Connected Through Public Archaeology

Public engagement is at the heart of what we do, and public archaeology doesn’t pause with the excavation season. Throughout the winter, we offer opportunities for the community to get involved. You can join us in the lab, attend engaging lectures led by professional archaeologists, or roll up your sleeves during our Saturday workshops.

These programs provide a behind-the-scenes look at archaeology and invite the public to be active participants in the process of discovery.

Archaeology Has No Off-Season

Whether you’re an aspiring archaeologist, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, there’s a place for you with us—no matter the season. Winter may keep us indoors, but archaeology continues year-round, and the discoveries don’t stop. We invite you to be part of them. Plan a visit to experience the work firsthand!