Newport Village Historical Archaeology Field School

Location: Blairsville, PA, US

Season: May 25, 2026 to June 27, 2026

Session Dates: May 25-June 27, 2026

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.iup.edu/ages/research/newport-site.html

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
This project is an RPA certified field school

Affiliation:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Project Director:
Ben Ford, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and William Chadwick, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Project Description:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is offering two concurrent historical archaeology field schools at the site of Newport (36IN188), Pennsylvania. Newport, was founded circa 1790 and served as an important river town until the early 19th century. The town included several businesses, a hotel, a post office, and a wharf. The site is now completely abandoned. This year’s archaeological investigations will include shovel test pits, excavation units, geophysics, metal detecting, photogrammetry, and artifact analysis to better understand commerce and travel through the Pennsylvania frontier. Students will be exposed to both traditional and high-tech techniques with the goal of preparing them for cultural resource management and academic careers.

ANTH 320/520 Archaeological Field School (6 credits) – An introduction to archaeological survey, field excavation, and laboratory processing.

ANTH 740 Advanced Archaeological Field Methods (4 credits)  – Advanced instruction in survey and excavation field methods and technology, with an emphasis on the application of research designs to field settings, and the logistics of supervising field projects.

Period(s) of Occupation: North American Historic Period, ca. 1790-1830

Notes:
More information in Indiana University of Pennsylvania Summer Sessions is available at https://www.iup.edu/summer/index.html.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Room and Board is available through the IUP Office of Housing and Residence Life or can be obtained individually. Information about IUP Housing is available here: (https://www.iup.edu/housing/index.html)

Academic Credit:
ANTH 320/520 Archaeological Field School: 6 credits ANTH 740 Advanced Archaeological Field Methods: 4 credits Credits offered through Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tuition is variable depending on credits, undergrad or grad level, and residency. The cost can be estimated using the IUP Tuition and Fee Cost Estimator (https://www.iup.edu/admissions/undergraduate/costs-financial-aid-scholarships/costs/index.html).