2016 FSU Archaeological Field School

The Florida State University 2016 Archaeological Field School was an apprenticeship in archaeological research design, field methods, artifact processing, organizational and management concepts, and public outreach. It was an entry-level preparation for students considering a career in archaeology or desire archaeological field training. Students were given the opportunity to learn and practice survey techniques, site survey and subsurface testing, excavation skills, preparation of cultural materials, public outreach activities via the project blog, and involvement in the organizational and logistic requirements of staging and operating a field project. Students will be introduced to, and work with, various types of surveying, photographic, video, and computer equipment during the course of the field school.  An important component of all modern archaeology projects is public outreach and education. Students were involved in this aspect of the project via scheduled volunteer and special service days and the project blog. Students learned about cultural resource management by federal agencies, federal and state cultural resource laws, and network with archaeologists from federal and state agencies.  In summer 2016 we investigated subsistence and ceremonialism at a maritime Woodland Period (ca. 3200 - 1000 years ago) shell ring site located in the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 25 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida. The fieldwork ran from May 9 to June 17 and was co-directed by Dr. Tanya M. Peres (tanya.peres@fsu.edu) and Dr. Geoffrey P. Thomas (gpthomas@fsu.edu).

VIDEO - On site with FSU Department of Anthropology as it conducts research and excavates a 1,400 year old cite in St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge. Students are working alongside members of the National Park Service to learn about the past while getting a jumpstart on their future careers.