Program Description
For every one hour that an archaeologist excavates it takes approximately 20 hours of work in the archaeological laboratory to process, analyze, interpret, report, and finally display their archaeological findings. During this week long program, participants will engage in a variety of tasks archaeologists do to create a museum exhibit. Learn to identify, date, and catalog artifacts through hands-on sessions. Mend and conserve artifacts. Experience behind-the-scenes tours of Montpelier’s award winning exhibits. Hear lectures from leading scholars in archaeology and decorative arts. Participate in an exclusive vessel handling session with ceramics experts.
This week-long expedition begins Sunday 2/16 at 5:00pm and ends Friday 2/21 at 7:30pm. There is an optional complementary Signature House Tour on Sunday 2/16 at 2:30pm. This optional tour is recommended for first time visitors to get an overview of the Madisons and Montpelier since the tours during the program will be more specialized. Those staying in on-site housing will have the option of staying over Friday night and departing Saturday morning.
Montpelier On-Site Housing Options
Arlington House is a historic antebellum house built in the 1840's that is located in a beautiful rural setting on the Montpelier property about 1 mile from the visitor center and about 1.5 miles to the Archaeology Lab. Adjacent to Arlington House is the oldest standing slave dwelling on the property. Arlington House is a low cost hostel style of housing where participants are assigned a bed in same gender shared bedrooms on the first and second floors. The four bathrooms are shared among all guests in the house. There is a fully stocked kitchen with 2 full size refrigerators and each participant has an 18" cubby in the dining area for their pantry food items. A living room, dining room, screened porch, outdoor picnic tables, and laundry machines are available for your use. The house is heated and air-conditioned. Bed linens and towels are provided. Cost for the week: $250 (NOTE: You MUST email dig@montpelier.org to reserve your room!)
Choose one of the options below and enter the number of participants you are registering.
If you are registering only yourself, enter a "1".