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X-WR-CALDESC:Explore History At Our House
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260914T000000
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SUMMARY:Excavate: Archaeology Alumni Expedition
DESCRIPTION:Alumni Program Sept 14-19, 2026\nDuring this special week excavating at the 18th century Blacksmith Shop, we will be hosting alumni of previous expeditions on this program. The archaeology department is investigating an 18th-century Blacksmith shop that was run by Moses, an enslaved blacksmith owned by James Madison, Sr. Moses ran the blacksmith shop during the American Revolution. Moses’ blacksmith shop provided supplies for the Continental Army during the War. We are investigating this site to find evidence for the forge, items produced, and structures that were present at the site. The site is adjacent to the iconic Madison-era 1810s-era temple near the Montpelier main house. Moses’s blacsksmith shop was moved during the 1810s reconfiguration of the main house formal grounds.\nFor the long-term goals of this project, see the following StoryMap on Blacksmithing at Montpelier. During the Fall of 2026 we will be surveying Moses’ 18th century Blacksmith Shop and opening initial units. During the 2026 season we will do more extensive excavation of Moses’ shop.\nThe week will start with excavations at the 18th century blacksmith shop and include:\n\nExcavations in 5ft x 5ft units looking for the remains of forges at the site\nMetal detector surveys to determine the extent of the site\nTours of sites related to the blacksmith site\n\nnd will move on to more\nOn Wednesday we will shift to heritage furniture making with historian Jerome Bias. Participants will work with Jerome to construct furniture such as work benches and stools of the type that might have been utilized by the enslaved while performing various tasks and trades in the South Yard. These items will be utilized for future cooking programs and interpretation at Montpelier. For those interested in continuing with excavations, we will have the option to work in the units for accelerated excavations on Wed-Friday!\nThis event will culminate with the Sept 19th trade festival held at Montpelier on Constitution Day and you will be part of the team as we demonstrate the range of trade expertise of the enslaved at Montpelier to visitors at this all-day trade festival. On Saturday, you will do blacksmithing under the guidance of skilled heritage blacksmiths (Paul Fitz, Jeffery Mabry, and Todd Woener). Participants will learn about the rich blacksmithing traditions at Montpelier and why the Blacksmith shop was essential in enabling a young James Madison Jr. to dedicate his life to the creation of our nation. There will also be the opportunity for participants to learn how to make simple everyday items utilizing period blacksmithing tools and skills.\nOn Saturday, participants will also experience an introduction to the principles of Log Cabin building with Craig Jacob’s team of Salvagewrights. In the afternoon, participants on the program will learn period hewing and notching skills necessary to turn logs into a dovetail notched structure.\n \nCome join us in utilizing archaeology to explore the concepts of Liberty and Legacy at one of America’s most significant historic sites: James Madison’s Montpelier. Search for clues from the past, excavating side by side with Montpelier’s archaeologists, as we conduct excavations in our efforts to memorialize and understand those who built Montpelier, and learn about the contributions of all those who called Montpelier home. Get behind-the-scenes specialty tours with Montpelier’s experts, and be among the first to conduct lab analysis at the Archaeology Department’s new lab facility Community Archaeology Lab at Montpelier (CALM).\nCosts and Deposit\nCost: $1000.00 for the week\nDeposit: $300.00\nWe have payment options– a non-refundable deposit is all you need to reserve your space on one of our programs! We also have payment plans!\nIf you would like to come on the Expedition but are not able to get away for the entire week, shoot us an email at dig@montpelier.org  We might be able to design a two or three day program that will work better with your schedule !\nNote: We have scholarship programs for the African-American community, please email for options.\nOther Upcoming Programs\nLearn more about our other programs here.\nIf you have any questions, please email: Dig@montpelier.org ( mailto:Dig@montpelier.org )\n
URL:https://www.montpelier.org/events/excavate-alumni-expedition/
CATEGORIES:Archaeology
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