Be part of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project’s ongoing mission to excavate, interpret, preserve, conserve, and research findings from the site of England’s first successful colony in North America by participating in Jamestown Rediscovery’s annual Archaeological Field School from May 28 to July 5, 2024!
The Program
Jamestown’s Field School provides a unique opportunity for students to contribute to the research and interpretation of early 17th-century English America. The Field School, jointly offered by the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation and the University of Virginia, introduces participants to the methods and theories of American historical archaeology through hands-on fieldwork. Students will be helping to expand our understanding of the site of James Fort (1607-1624). Throughout the Field School, students will learn excavation and recording procedures and identify and interpret 17th-century European and First People’s artifacts. In addition, the Field School will include field trips and weekly seminars exploring recent contributions of historical archaeology to colonial history, new field recording and interpretation methods, and a survey of the recent literature in the discipline. Both novice and experienced students will learn practical archaeological skills and the course is also an excellent educational opportunity for teachers seeking recertification in the social studies content area.
Course Requirements
Field School Director: David M. Givens, MA.
Students will be required to attend classes 40 hours a week (Monday-Friday), with most of that time spent on-site working on the excavation. Strenuous daily activities will require physical endurance and excellent health. Students also will spend time processing and learning to identify artifacts from the early Anglo-American settlement period in the Jamestown Rediscovery laboratory. Students will be required to keep a journal of their field, lab, and seminar work.
Upon completing this course, participants will receive six graduate credits (Anthropology 5589) from the University of Virginia. Students who transfer credits must make arrangements directly with their college or university. Educators wishing to apply this course toward recertification must obtain prior approval from their school systems. See below for 2024 tuition rates and fees as well as information on housing.
Application and Selection Process
To apply, please submit an application form (download application form); a résumé; a statement of personal and professional reasons for wanting to participate in the Jamestown Archaeological Field School; any other evidence of a well-rounded personality, the ability to work with others, and physical fitness; and two recommendation letters (download recommendation form). Current or previous affiliation with the University of Virginia is not required to attend the Field School. Completed applications must be received by April 5, 2024 (if you cannot make this deadline, please contact the staff).
Applicants will be selected based upon a review of their résumé, application form, statement of personal and professional reasons for wanting to attend the school, and recommendations. Applicants will be notified no later than April 26, 2024 (In some cases, early acceptance may be granted if required by the applicant).
2024 Tuition Rates and Fees
In-State Tuition (*Virginia Residents)
Undergraduate Students: $2,736 ($456 per credit hour)
Graduate Students: $3,210 ($535 per credit hour)
Out-of-State Tuition (Non-Virginia Residents)
Undergraduate Students: $5,055 ($842.50 per credit hour)**
Graduate Students: $3,252 ($542 per credit hour)**
* Must be a US Citizen ** Tuition rates reflect a scholarship of 50% provided by the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation for out-of-state students accepted into the Field School. The University of Virginia’s current tuition is $1,685 per credit hour for out-of-state undergrad students and $1,084 per credit hour for out-of-state graduate students.
The University requires an additional off-site fee for both in-state and out-of-state students.
The University of Virginia’s tuition rates and fees list can be viewed here.
Room and Board
Jamestown Rediscovery is working with the College of William & Mary to secure local housing for interested students. Please note on your application if you would like to rent local housing through Jamestown Rediscovery, so the proper number of rooms may be secured.
