Previous Field Schools

The terrestrial portion of UWF's combined archaeological field schools will advance archaeological research projects on the late prehistory of Pensacola Bay. Specifically, we will be conducting investigations of two Native American sites located on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The course is organized to benefit those students participating in the joint terrestrial/maritime field school; complete archaeological projects will be conducted during each 4-week half of the semester. As per all of UWF's archaeological field schools, students will learn about and directly experience a variety of relevant archaeological field techniques and principles, from shovel testing and field orientation, to mapping, proper documentation of the work, and elements of research and career development.

For more information about this UWF terrestrial field school, please contact Dr. Ramie Gougeon (850-474-2831, rgougeon@uwf.edu)

(ANT 4824, Terrestrial Archaeological Field Methods or ANG 6824 Advanced Archaeological Field Methods)

Luna Settlement

The 2021 Luna Settlement Terrestrial Field School will take place at the archaeological site of the 1559-1561 Tristán de Luna settlement overlooking Pensacola Bay.  The goals of the project are to continue excavations focusing on the traces of the colonial settlers who lived there after a hurricane destroyed their fleet. 

During the summer, field school students will be exposed to a broad range of archaeological field techniques, ranging from excavation and survey, to scale drawing and record-keeping. Demonstrations will include remote sensing, photography, and digital mapping.

COVID-19 protocols will be implemented for the safety of everyone involved, and will include the use of personal face masks while in communal indoor spaces, and outdoors whenever 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained, along with sanitation of communal gear and spaces.  More details will be provided prior to field school.

• Dates: May 24 - July 16
• Prerequisites: The prerequisite for the terrestrial field school is Principles of Archaeology (ANT 3101) with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
• Accommodations: Living arrangements will be the responsibility of the student.
• Food and Equipment: Students will need to bring a lunch and any snacks to the field each day. Each student will also need to bring a set of personal field gear; lists will be provided for the project upon acceptance. Field gear usually costs around $125.
• Field Conditions: The field school will take place in a residential neighborhood setting not far from downtown Pensacola, Florida, with conditions ranging from open yards in direct sunlight to shaded areas with sometimes dense undergrowth and landscaping.  Students should be prepared for summer heat, humidity, sun, rain, and biting insects. A list of required and recommended field clothing will be provided upon acceptance.
• Transportation: Parking arrangements will be announced before the start of field school.  Students will need to provide their own transportation.

For further information about the terrestrial field school, contact the UWF Archaeology Institute (850-474-3015, archaeology@uwf.edu).

The maritime portion of UWF’s 2021 summer combined archaeological field school will involve investigations on historic wreck sites in nearby waters, with a focus on the third wreck from the 1559 Tristán de Luna expedition.  Students will get hands-on experience in underwater mapping, excavation and navigation, and will gain a greater understanding of Pensacola’s maritime history.  Additional activities will include an introduction to remote sensing, learning about maritime landscapes, artifact conservation/lab work on bad weather days, and lectures from professors, staff and graduate students.

For more information about this UWF terrestrial field school, please contact Dr. Gregory Cook (gcook1@uwf.edu) or Meghan Mumford (mmumford@uwf.ed)