US-IL: Noble-Wieting Excavation (IFR)

Location: Heyworth, Illinois, USA

Session Dates: June 1 – July 10, 2026

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/us-il-noble-wieting/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR)

Project Director:
Dr. B. Jacob Skousen

Project Description:

Explore how indigenous groups came together during a particularly turbulent period in North America’s history. This program investigates the 13th-15th century Noble-Wieting site in Illinois, where the Langford and Mississippian cultural groups formed a unique shared community during an era of climate stress, migration, and social upheaval. As a participant in this archaeology field school, you’ll help uncover new insights about daily life at this remarkable settlement during a time of uncertainty.

Led by the Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) and Illinois State University, this project works closely with 18 Tribal Nations who help guide the research and long-term preservation goals for the site. You’ll gain hands-on experience in essential archaeological field skills while learning how to conduct collaborative research that is responsible to descendant communities.

Field school highlights:

• Build skills in excavation, mapping, survey, artifact analysis, working with community stakeholders, and more.
• Play a role in shaping the future of the Noble-Wieting site by uncovering findings that strengthen the case for its preservation.
• Visit regional heritage sites such as Cahokia Mounds and Dickson Mounds Museum, and enjoy the museums, arts, and cultural scene of Urbana-Champaign.

Period(s) of Occupation: 13th-15th century

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students will stay together in a large shared house in Champaign, featuring six bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a common area for relaxing after fieldwork. Rooms are shared, with two students per room. The house includes on-street and rear parking but does not have laundry facilities; several laundromats are available nearby. Meals: Groceries will be purchased by the program but students will be responsible for planning and preparing their meals. The team will shop together weekly to restock supplies, and cooking and cleaning duties will rotate among students. Students will take an active role in grocery planning and so should be able to accommodate any special dietary needs.

Academic Credit:
TBD