Loyola University Chicago

Department of Anthropology

Archaeology Field School

May 14 - June 1, 2018

Earn 3 Engaged Learning credits in Anth 399: Fieldwork in Anthropology by participating in an ongoing project that continues the excavation of a buried early 19th century pioneer farmstead at LUREC. You’ll help determine the impacts of this Euroamerican settlement on the local environment. Students will learn archaeological field and lab methods through practice, readings and lectures.

Archival research has identified much about this land owner who was part of a large group from western Virginia. Dispersed remains of the homestead, household items, and animal bones are present as well as pits and post-holes. Excavations will focus on determining the spatial pattern of these remains.

Students will continue the study of an experimental plot to evaluate the impact of tillage on archaeological context. This research project began in fall of 2011 and students have conducted both archival and excavation research in association with it. LUREC is situated within the Virginia Settlement district of nearly 100 settlers who arrived from Greenbrier County, Virginia (today West Virginia) between 1835 and 1840. Researchers have accumulated decent archival data about this group, who they were, their reasons for migrating, and what happened to them following their settlement in central McHenry County.

No previous experience is necessary, and space is limited! Contact Dr. Dan Amick to enroll (first come, first served): damick@luc.edu, 773.508.3446.