Archaeology Lunch and LEARN
About the series
On any Montpelier excavation, lunch time is when the real work gets done. It’s when the whole team sits together, shares a meal, and talks about archaeology. Lunch and LEARNs are Montpelier’s effort to keep this tradition going: bringing a weekly, casual conversation or lecture about archaeology, from the comfort of your own home.
All lectures are by Montpelier staff or colleagues, and topics range from discussing our research, methodology, changes we are making with our programs, or how to identify different artifacts.
View past Archaeology Lunch and LEARNs.
Thursday, December 19, 2024, noon
Everyday Hearth Cooking with Jerome Bias | REGISTER
Thursday, December 19th (yes this is a Thursday) we will be joined by Jerome Bias to talk about his experience in hearth cooking at Montpelier and across the South. This season’s cooking program will focus on everyday cooking (both in the field and at the main house). Jerome will examine what cooking techniques cross-cut everyday meals and those that were more along the lines of feast making. Matt Reeves will join Jerome in discussing the archaeological evidence we have for daily meal making at Montpelier and what participants can expect from the late April Archaeology and Cooking program.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at noon
Stump the Chump: Trees and Forest History | REGISTER
Join Virginia Forestry and Agricultural Agent Adam K. Downing, Master naturalist Harry Puffenburger, and Montpeler’s Director of Horticulture Robert Myers for a discussion with Matt Reeves on Forest History. During this panel discussion, Matt will try to Stump the Chumps with how to learn about landscape history through forest ecology! We will give a sneak peak into how participants will be engaged during the early April Archaeology and Arboristry Program.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at noon
Sometimes You Have to Repair it: One Brick at a Time | REGISTER
Join the Montpelier Archaeology Team, our colleagues from the Fairfield Foundation and experts to discuss the intricacies of repairing historic brick structures. We will give a sneak preview into how participants will be involved in the August Masonry Expedition that will take place here and at properties in Virginia’s Historic Middle Peninsula.
