So much of public archaeology depends on community involvement and interest. The Fort Massachusetts field school has a variety of volunteer opportunities that will incorporate interested individuals on the student level – volunteers may take advantage of any training that may be happening while they are on site. Each volunteer will be given work appropriate to their skills, physical abilities, time commitments, and interests, but potential tasks include:

  • Pedestrian survey (walking the site and looking for surface finds)
  • Excavation
  • Sifting
  • Metal detector survey
  • Mapping
  • Photography
  • Artifact lab cataloging and analysis

Day and Weekend Volunteers

As the field school runs over the course of summer vacation, it is a perfect opportunity for local families to get out of the house and get involved.
Requirements:

  • All children must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult.
  • Children under the age of 6 must stay with their designated grown-up. Children 6 or older can be supervised by field school staff and students in designated contexts.
  • All volunteers must sign necessary site release forms before entering the site.

One, Two, and Three Session Volunteers

Perfect for high school students looking for volunteer hours, community members looking for something to do, or students and archaeologists looking for experience on a historical archaeology site, this option allows individuals to experience the site, without paying for the credits. (Note: this option doesn’t work if you’re actually expecting to receive credits.)
Requirements:

  • All session volunteers must apply ahead of time (see Application page for requirements)
  • Session volunteers must be 16 years or older
  • Volunteers between 16 and 18 must have signed parental approval
  • We have a limited number of volunteer spots – apply early!

All volunteers, regardless of time commitment, will be expected to comply with all field site rules and staff instructions. Additionally, all volunteers must be escorted onto the site by a staff member from the gates – it is on private property and is fairly remote.

For those who are interested in seeing the site, but not working on it, tours can be arranged at least one week in advance. Please email fortmass@adams.edu for scheduling, or with questions about volunteering or visiting.