University of Maine Catalog Description
ANT 477 – Field Research in Archaeology
Introduction to archaeological field techniques through excavation of an archaeological site. Intensive training
in site survey, excavation techniques, recording, analysis, and preliminary interpretation of archaeological
materials. Admission is by application only. We are unable to accommodate volunteers.
General Information and Goals of the Course
The 2024 Maine archaeology field school will take place at a coastal archaeology site near Machias, Maine.
The site selected for this year’s research is a shell heap containing a cultural and paleoenvironmental record
spanning at least 2,000 years. Shell heap sites are unique places on the Maine landscape where Indigenous
families lived for millennia. Large accumulations of clam shells at these locations aid in the preservation of a
material and ecological record that includes stone and bone tools, Indigenous ceramics, food remains, and
charred plant remains.
Additionally, the site is situated in a region famous for Indigenous petroglyphs or rock art features that are
important to the Passamaquoddy people who are active partners in research and management of cultural
resources in the area. As such, the field school is conducted in cooperation with the Passamaquoddy Tribal
Historic Preservation Office and focuses heavily on the exploration of past Indigenous lifeways.
This year, the field school will integrate a Passamaquoddy language project into the course. The intent of the
language component is to bring field school students and Passamaquoddy speakers together to create
language resources centered on an archaeological theme. This initiative is designed to have students help
create resources that will aid the Passamaquoddy community in their language preservation efforts and add a
layer of archaeological and heritage information to language learning.
The field school is directed by Dr. Bonnie Newsom, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at UMaine. Jason
Brough and Olivia Olson will serve as teaching assistants. The field school is funded by a prestigious MAPI
(Maine Academic Prominence Initiative) grant provided by UMaine (Robinson and Neuman 2005).
MAPI funding for the field school covers participant expenses and includes 3 credits of in-state undergraduate
tuition (ANT 477), room and board, and transportation to the field site. Maximum course capacity: 12
students.
University of Maine Coastal Archaeology Field School
ANT 477: Field Research in Archaeology
Dates: June 3 – June 28, 2024, Location: Machiasport, Maine
Application Deadline: 4:30 p.m., April 12th, 2024
Course Goals:
- Develop in students an awareness of the richness of Wabanaki heritage and Maine’s history through a
multi-vocal perspective that blends archaeology with Indigenous knowledges. - Provide training in archaeological field methods, shell midden excavation techniques and strategies,
and archaeological professionalism through experiential learning. - Convey to students the value of shell heaps as important cultural and paleoenvironmental resources
with relevance to contemporary issues and communities. - Develop in students an understanding of Indigenous archaeologies theory and methodologies.
- Provide students with experiential learning in community-engaged archaeology.
Research Design:
This year’s field school is approached using an Indigenous archaeologies framework. Indigenous archaeologies
are archaeology projects conducted in support of Indigenous values and agendas. In addition to integrating an
Indigenous language project into the field school, Indigenous community members will be hosted as
community scholars for evening lectures and as participants in the field work. We will work at a new site
identified recently by Emily Blackwood and Abigail Mann during a Phase I survey for Maine Coast Heritage
Trust. The site has both pre- and post-contact components. Our research questions will center on establishing
a site chronology and site boundaries, as well as exploring how this site fits within the cultural landscape of
the Passamaquoddy people.
Application deadline is 4:30 p.m. April 12th, 2024
