Overview
The University of Montana Department of Anthropology, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, will offer an archaeological field school at the Coloma mining town ruins in the Garnet Mountain range of Western Montana. During the summers of 2006-2008 students will have the opportunity to participate in the detailed documentation of the features of this historical site, including standing structures.
Whether you are a current student in anthropology or someone who is interested in learning more about historical archaeology, UM's Coloma Ghost Town Field School is the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in archaeological field work. Over five weeks, field school students will learn various field techniques, including pedestrian survey, excavation, feature mapping, photography, and structure recording. Hands-on training in the field will be supplemented by weekly discussions and lectures on topics such as historical research, geographic information systems (GIS), public archaeology, archaeological theory, and artifact classes.
The data from this fieldwork will be incorporated into a GIS database showcasing a virtual ghost town, including photo-documentation, feature drawings, and historical photos. Current research projects include two doctoral dissertations and two master's theses.