Youth Programs

Archaeology Workshops: or Printable Registration Form (1 page PDF)

Introduction to Archaeology
Students entering grades 5-9
Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory and work with artifacts recovered from area excavations as an introduction to the science of archaeology. Discover how the first Native Americans in Wisconsin survived using the natural resources found in our area. Students must take this class in order to attend the Middle School Field Experience class. Cancellations prior to June 21, 2013 will receive a full refund minus a $40 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after June 21, 2013. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
312 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$75

Middle School Field Experience
Students entering grades 5-9
Take your excitement for archaeology to the field! Students who have taken the Introduction to Archaeology class in the past can join a La Crosse area project. Participants will work alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Activities may include shovel testing and/or small-scale excavations (test units). Weather may require alternate activities. Cancellations prior to June 21, 2013 will receive a full refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after June 21, 2013. Bring a lunch with drink and snacks, water bottle, insect repellent and sun screen. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
Thursday & Friday, July 11-12, 2013; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
312 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$175

Public Archaeology Field Schools (3 and 5 day experiences)
High School & Adult
This multi-day event includes both field and lab experiences and is a well rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Explore what it is like to participate in an actual archaeological excavation by working alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Participate in small-scale excavations (test units) and survey work. Lab work may include washing ceramics, stone tools, and other remains, and sorting them into basic categories. An experimental archaeology component of the event may explore making stone tools and pottery. Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary.

This experience is open to high school students through adults. Fee includes a one year MVAC membership. Supervised dorm facilities are available for high school students at an additional cost of $205 for 3 days and $315 for 5 days. Cancellation prior to June 7, 2013 will receive a full refund minus a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after June 7, 2013.

Three-day Field School
Monday-Wednesday, July 8-10, 2013
July 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; July 9-10, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$350

Five-day Field School
Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 2013
July 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; July 9-12, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$500

Scholarships:

Continuing Education and Extension Scholarships are available for financially disadvantaged students (except for the Middle School Field Experience and the Public Archaeology Field Schools). Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. 2013 Scholarship applications will be accepted through April 16 or until scholarship funds have been depleted. A required payment of at least 15% is due at time of registration.

MVAC Scholarships Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center may be able to offer several students financial assistance to attend our youth programs. Scholarships will be awarded based on interest in archaeology, financial need and grade point average. For information about receiving youth financial assistance call 608.785.8454 or jdowiasch@uwlax.edu.

For more Information: Karen DeSchepper, 608.785.6508 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu