2027 US (MT) Big Belt Mountains

Location: CQXJ+V3 Rimini, MT, USA

Season: June 6, 2027 to June 28, 2027

Application Deadline: March 27, 2027

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2027-us-mt-big-belt/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Anthropocene Research Center (US); Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest & Travis Archaeological Services

Project Director:
Dr. Lauri Travis, Travis Archaeological Services & Ms. Arian Randall, Deputy Forest Archaeologist for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana

Project Description:

This program takes place at a remote location in the Big Belt Mountains. Students will have two sessions of 10 days each, and a short two day off period in between. The site is remote, with no electricity, running water or cell phone reception. If you find staying offline for 10 days a challenge, this program is likely not for you.

The Montana Big Belt Mountains Archaeological Field School will introduce students to archaeological field methods and research design in one of the most beautiful settings in western United States. The research will be conducted within the Helena – Lewis & Clark National Forest 40 miles northeast of Helena, Montana. Our fifteen years of previous research has revealed numerous potentially significant archaeological sites which represent periodic occupation through the last 10,000 years.

The class is designed to train students in the basics of archaeological excavation and survey techniques. We will be excavating two high altitude multicomponent campsites with occupation from a few hundred to 9,000 years ago, as well as surveying surrounding areas. Our previous research identified two major drought periods, 2,000 and 8,000 years ago. We will be targeting these drought time periods to explore the relationship between paleoenvironmental change and prehistoric population adaptations.

The campsite is remote without cell service and two hours to the nearest town. Weather conditions can vary from over 100° F to working in snow. Students should be prepared for full days of digging and/or hiking carrying equipment long distances in remote areas. While the research sometimes involves demanding working conditions, the camaraderie, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating archaeology make for a unique field school experience.

Period(s) of Occupation: Middle to Late Holocene

Notes:
Tuition is $4,950; Earn 8 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 12 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: There are no prerequisites for this field school, but students need to remember the campsite is remote without convenient facilities. Students will be expected to help with camp chores, such as hauling firewood, cleaning meal dishes, refilling water jugs, etc. Field work and the weather can be physically challenging, so a positive attitude and sense of adventure are essential. While the research sometimes involves challenging working conditions, the friendship, beautiful landscapes, and captivating archaeology make for a unique field school experience.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students and directors will be camping adjacent to the site, not in an established campground. Students will need to provide their own tent (with a FULL rain fly), sleeping bag (suitable for temperatures down to 20° F (-5° C), sleeping bag mat, towel and other personal items. Running water is not available but washing tubs with clean water will be available for washing. The site has a single vault toilet. The site does not have electricity, and flashlights will be essential (the night sky is phenomenal!). Food will be prepared by the project cooking staff and will include well balanced, nutritious meals. Given how remote the site is, this program will not be able to accommodate any special diets (Kosher, Halal, vegan, etc.). During the two-day break between sessions, students will be driven to Helena and will be able to spend the whole day there. Students will be picked up in the evening and return to the campground for the night.

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 12 Quarter Credit Units) through our School of Record – Culver Stockton College