Excavate: ALUMNI Archaeology and Blacksmithing Expedition
Week Long Excavations
This is a week-long, hands-on educational experience for Alumni of previous Montpelier Archaeology Expeditions in which you will work side-by-side with professional archaeologists and fellow alumni performing excavation and survey of archaeological research sites on the Montpelier property! Continue to learn the techniques and processes of archaeology while contributing to the discovery and preservation of history. In addition to the field experience, you will spend a day with the Archaeology Lab, where you will be re-introduced to the post-excavation analysis of archaeological materials excavated from dig sites on the property!
During the 2025 Expedition season, we will be working at the 18th-century Blacksmith shop adjacent to the Temple, where metal detector surveys located the main forge area for the large blacksmith shop that provided much of the plantation income during the Revolutionary War period.
Come 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).
ALUMNI and Blacksmithing
During the Alumni program we will be excavating at the Revolutionary War-era blacksmith shop in the vicinity of the Temple. We will be opening units where metal detector survey has revealed the potential location of a blacksmithing/metal working work area. At the end of the week, we will host a blacksmith, Mr. Jeffrey Mabry with knowledge of the historic trade to demonstrate basic blacksmithing techniques and then identify the artifacts we are recovering from the site.
Costs and Deposit
Cost: $950.00 for the week
Deposit: $300.00
We 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!
Note: We have scholarship programs for the African-American community, please email for options.
Other Upcoming Programs
Learn more about our other programs here.
If you have any questions, please email: Dig@montpelier.org
