I Really Dug Field School

Hey gang, it’s Gretchen again. As the 2018 Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Field School comes to a bittersweet end, I thought I would share with you what a privilege it has been to work with my peers, as well as, be a part of an actual archaeological excavation.

If I had to sum up what I learned in the field school, it would be patience. From troweling meticulously to living and working very closely with seventeen roommates, we all had to work on our patience. Even though we may have had our small differences throughout the last six weeks, we learned valuable skills about working with others and complimenting each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It was definitely easy to become very comfortable with one another very quickly while living so closely. We had to learn to deal with stress, while having such a routinely packed schedule. The best way to perfect the skills required for archaeology both in the field and with your colleagues is to be fully immersed in the field. We are all self-selected for this program and gave up a good six weeks of our lives for this intense learning experience. Dr. Nassaney has stressed deep listening this whole field season, teaching us to sit back and absorb what others are saying instead of thinking about what we’re going to say next all of the time, a valuable skill in the workplace. Archaeology is an extremely collaborative science on small and large scales. In the field, it is far more difficult to not dig holes in your unit than you would think. We have to carefully trowel across our unit floors keeping everything even within a centimeter at a time. When you think you’re being patient enough and taking your time, you’re not. A point I have brought up several times this season is that archaeology is extremely scientific but can feel very blue collar, which is quite humbling.

We have all had a great opportunity to be immersed in such a passionate, generous, dedicated community in Niles. We have free food up to our necks throughout the season as well as volunteers/donors of time and money in and out of the field. To see the effect our work has had on the community of Niles is truly amazing. Back to archaeology being a collaborative effort, we could not do this project without the support of you, Niles, and WMU, so for that I thank you all. Special shout out to our volunteer of the year, Gary, he’s the best ever. Public archaeology is so fulfilling; we know that by seeing everyone’s interest and contagious enthusiasm. The Open House was such an amazing experience even as exhausting as it was. Several participants were astonished by the amount of shared enthusiasm at the site. I almost wish the Open House would have lasted longer. Being surrounded by mutually passionate people makes for a happy, healthy, encouraging environment. People with all different skills sets were available at the Open House for people to learn about all different aspects of archaeology as well as history. It seems like everyone is intrigued when they hear the word archaeology, but for different reasons. There really is something for everyone in the field of archaeology, whether you just love dirt or you love lead seals ;). We all had many opportunities to create networks with the people of Niles, and professionals in different aspects of archaeology such as our zooarchaeologist Terry Martin, and field-school-veteran/ lead seal expert, Cathrine Davis. Having so many good resources, a growing network, and interested residents keeps us very motivated (so do all of the free cookies). 

I’ve never been to summer camp, but this is probably what it’s like. This week we are finishing up some mapping and soil records to wrap up and move out of Niles. My heart is full and I feel like I’ve found my people. We have all learned a lot about each other and the world of archaeology, forming lifelong friendships. We learned several field techniques, personal skills, and even each other’s home recipes. I have thoroughly enjoyed the field school and am extremely grateful for all of it. I want to thank every contributor to the project big or small, and I will see you all next field season in some way shape or form.