Topic ID #43029 – posted 2/16/2021 7:25 AM
Archaeology Field Internships (4 positions) – Locust Grove, VA_2021
Germanna Arch
The Germanna Foundation is now accepting applications for Excavation Interns (4 positions). This is for the renewed excavations at the Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle site in Orange County, Virginia. This listing is for a 12-week term, but this year the Foundation may extend the season an additional 12 weeks. Please indicate if you wish to be considered for a 6-month position.
Last year, we were unable to host the VCU Field School resulting in scaled back season. Germanna Archaeology incorporated new procedures to ensure spatial distancing and use of masks. These measures will be continued for the upcoming field season.
Successful candidates will help excavate and interpret the site of Fort Germanna and Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood’s Germanna Home. Completion of Field School or equivalent experience required. These positions are designed for upper-level students or recent college graduates who want to develop their excavation and recording skills. They offer the opportunity to gain excavation and recording experience on a complex, multi-component site. Interns will use shovels and trowels to excavate natural layers, hand excavate features, screen soils, and record and draw features/layers.
Listed on the National Register, the Enchanted Castle is the early 18th-century home for Alexander Spotswood in the years after he served as Lt. Governor for the Colony of Virginia. The mansion was built on a portion of the earlier 5-sided fort that served as home for a group of German settlers who came to Virginia in 1714. The 2021 season will be spent searching for new and additional evidence of the fort. While the project goals focus on the 18th century, there are prehistoric, Civil War, and late 19th-century farmstead components to the site as well.
Public outreach has been a key component to the Germanna Archaeology program. Although access to the site is limited, in typical years we treat the site as a public archaeology site where field staff is expected to interact with visitors. In past years, “Open House” events were scheduled as part of the season. The pandemic has brought operational changes, but we wish interns to participate in online postings such as photo, video, blog, or a webinar updates.
The project runs from May 24 to August 20, 2021. We excavate 40 hours a week, typically Monday – Friday. Fieldwork may take place in the full sun. The position will pay $15 an hour. Per diem, housing and meals are NOT included.
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled; however, decisions will begin March 12, 2021. Interested candidates should e-mail a resume to Dr. Eric Larsen, Director of Archaeology, at elarsen@germanna.org.
