AHC CRM Professional Training Program at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park

Location: 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, AL, USA

Season: June 2, 2026 to July 31, 2026

Session Dates: Session 1: June 1 – 26, 2026 Session 2: July 6 – 31, 2026

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Website: https://www.oldcahawba.org/crm-training-program

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
This project is an RPA certified field school

Affiliation:
Alabama Historical Commission

Project Director:
William Henry PhD RPA

Project Description:

The Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Professional Training Program is a four-week, immersive field school hosted by the Alabama Historical Commission at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, the site of Alabama’s first state capital. Designed for students and emerging professionals, this program delivers intensive, field-based training in archaeological survey, excavation, artifact processing, and regulatory compliance.

This is not a typical academic field school—it’s a professional development experience tailored to those seeking careers in CRM and applied archaeology.

Period(s) of Occupation: The project takes place at Old Cahawba, which was the first capital of Alabama from 1819-1826. Participants will work with contexts ranging from the Woodland to the mid-20th century, with the majority of our focus being on mid-19th century remains.

Notes:
Project cost is $1000 per participant and covers all project fees and housing for the duration of the project. We also offer an optional meal plan.

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: four weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Educational Background: You must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or a closely related field. Recent graduates are welcome to apply, as long as you have completed your studies within the last two years. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances. Interest in Cultural Resource Management (CRM): Our field schools focus heavily on preparing participants for careers in CRM, so a demonstrated interest or career intent in this area is preferred. Please note that our field schools are conducted in person and involve outdoor work. Participants should be physically capable of working in varying environmental conditions, and often include hiking, carrying tools over uneven terrain, exposure to dust and allergens, and high outside temperatures.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Housing at Dalwhinnie Fields in nearby Selma, AL is covered by all project fees--Dalwhinnie Fields is the site of Selma's Renaissance Festival annually, and has many activities for participants to partake in during their down time. We also offer an optional meal plan which provides for a continental breakfast, a sack lunch, and a home cooked dinner each evening Monday-Friday for the duration of the program.

Academic Credit:
We are willing to work with any university department in order to get you college credit through your home university. If you have questions regarding this process, email us at william.henry@ahc.alabama.gov