Locate: Late October/Metal Detecting and Excavation Expedition

During the 2025 Expedition season, we will be working at Walnut Hollow, a site near the famed Temple where metal detector surveys located several structures believed to be homes for enslaved families,that date from the late 18th into the early 19th century.. This season we will be excavating several home sites of enslaved families as well as the 18th-century blacksmith shop located adjacent to the Temple.

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).

Week Long Excavations

The Archaeology Excavation Expedition is Montpelier’s most popular week-long participatory program. This is a week-long, hands-on educational experience in which you will work side-by-side with professional archaeologists on actual archaeological research sites on the Montpelier property.  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 introduced to the post-excavation analysis of archaeological materials that you excavated from the dig site. While digging through Madison-era deposits, you will experience the excitement of uncovering artifacts and features that have been buried for more than two centuries!

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!

Note: Descendants and African-American community members are welcome to attend at no cost

Other Upcoming Programs

Learn more about our other programs.

If you have any questions, please email: Dig@montpelier.org