Applications open for 2022 Anthropology Summer Field School

The UAF Anthropology Department is accepting applications for the 2022 Chena Townsite Archaeological Field School. The course takes place during Summer Session II (June 27-Aug. 5) and will be an excavation at the Chena Townsite, a Gold-Rush-era settlement just outside of Fairbanks. 

Once a competitor for the commercial center of mining operations in the Alaska Interior, the Chena Townsite became a ghost town by 1920 as Fairbanks emerged as the Interior’s commercial victor. Over the last two decades, however, archaeologists have mapped, surveyed, and begun to excavate parts of Chena in hopes of better understanding its birth and abandonment. 

This year, UAF Anthropology will continue to research Chena by conducting an archaeological survey and excavations at the site where Chena once stood. Students will live in their own accommodations, provide their own lunches, and report to the site daily. All tools and equipment will be provided, and participants will learn fundamental skills of archaeological fieldwork while excavating and documenting historic structures and artifacts. 

This is a six-credit course, and although no field experience is needed to apply, an introduction to archaeology class is strongly recommended. To apply, students must send a one-page letter of application and an unofficial transcript to Justin Cramb at jecramb@alaska.edu. Students must also contact Cramb for permission to enroll in the course. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2022, though students are strongly encouraged to apply early. Letters of acceptance will be sent by May 1. 

For more information, contact Justin Cramb at jecramb@alaska.edu.