Montpelier Archaeology Public Programs (2019/2020) Three-Day Dig | Page 2

Three-Day Dig
Programs
After lunch, you will join our field staff
for hands-on instruction in archaeological
excavation techniques before jumping
into one of our test units and digging
yourself. Our staff will teach you the
basics of artifact identification as you
enjoy an afternoon digging for artifacts.
On Friday, you will resume
excavation, and potentially learn about
what happens after
excavation as our
staff guides you
through our
paperwork and
artifact sorting
processes. You will
then transition to
learning about the
power of place on
guided tours of James
Madison’s House and The Mere
Distinction of Color Exhibition. During
your tour of the exhibition, you will have
the opportunity to ask our Curator of
Archaeological Collections, Dr. Mary
Furlong Minkoff, questions about its
creation.
Saturday will be
a day of intensive
excavation,
paperwork
completion, and
artifact sorting! You will also have an
opportunity to revisit some of your
favorite places on the Montpelier
property and reflect on your experience.
We will end the day with a farewell
reception to celebrate your completion of
the program.
No prior experience is necessary to
participate in this program. As long as
you are excited to learn—and get a little
dirty—we want you to join us! This
experience is also family friendly, and we
welcome participants ages 12 to 90.
Since this is a multi-day program,
participants also have the option to live
on the historic Montpelier property
during their time with us.