Locate: Metal Detection 2 Day 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.

Two-Day Metal Detecting Program

Our goal in this particular program is to give participants the opportunity to learn and experience how archaeologists use metal detectors in the discovery and analysis of archaeological sites, an archaeological tool long established and utilized at Montpelier.

Participants will learn how metal detectors can be used for the systematic discovery of archaeological sites and also to define the patterns found within sites.

Participants will learn how to plot sites on the landscape and how to analyze patterns discovered through metal detector surveys.

Participants will be familiarized with the large range of artifact groups we study at sites, most obviously including the myriad iron objects (most especially nails!) recovered during metal detector survey, but also those artifact types that archaeologists place additional significance to site interpretation (e.g. sherds of ceramics). 

Costs and Deposit

Cost: $380.00 for the week

Deposit: $250.00

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