Veterans Archaeology Program

05/08/2026

04/22/2026

https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/video/the-cutting-off-way-indigenous-warfare-in-the-american-revolution/

Historian Wayne E. Lee of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill discusses Indigenous warfare before and during the American Revolution. Throughout the Revolution, Indigenous warriors sought to surprise their targets, and the size of the target varied with the size of the attacking force. A sm...

03/09/2026

Conflict archaeology!

The Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 brought the U.S. into WWII spurring the development of the Alaska-Canada Highway (ALCAN). Amongst the battalions deployed, African American soldiers of the 97th Regiment United States Army Corp of Engineers began construction of the Alaska portion of the ALCAN in the Spring of 1942. After the construction came to completion in late October 1942, the 97th regiment received orders to remain behind to ensure the bridges and roads were kept clear
from snow and ice during the winter. With temperatures below -40 degrees Fahrenheit the 97th somehow endured with inadequate tents, unsuitable clothing and ration shortages during one of the harshest winters on record. Collaborators from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Anthropology Department are currently investigating the military winter encampment.

The Alaska Highway Archaeological Field School will focus on the excavation of construction camps built in 1942 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they built what would become the Alaska Highway. Due to the remoteness of the sites, along the ALCAN between Delta Junction and Tok, students will live in a temporary camp near the excavation site. Food, tools, and equipment will be provided, but students will need to supply their own tents, sleeping gear, and personal supplies. Participants will learn the fundamental skills of archaeological fieldwork while excavating and documenting historic structures and artifacts. They will examine artifacts, botanicals, sediments, and faunal materials to learn analytical techniques while providing insight into the lives of the soldiers and officers of this short-lived historic community.

Find out more at: https://www.uaf.edu/anthro/research/field-schools.php

03/04/2026

The Pennsylvania Military Museum, temporarily closed to the public, is deep into a major capital project. The historic site continues to welcome visitors via educational programs, tours, demonstrations, living history encampments, special events & ceremonies. And...the museum's "digital doors" are always open! Connect with the Commonwealth's military history by searching through nearly 2,000 artifacts now online.

02/25/2026

Long before he became the first president, George Washington served as a young colonel in the French and Indian War and narrowly survived a friendly fire incident in the Pennsylvania woods.

Archaeologists have confirmed the site of the 1758 skirmish. Using drones and metal detectors, researchers have uncovered physical evidence, including buttons, buckles, ammunition, and even a French watch key. The locations of these finds match historical records of troop movements during the deadly encounter.

Explore the discovery at Fort Ligonier: https://bit.ly/4kFwmOt

📸 Jeff Kubina / Wikimedia Commons

01/13/2026

01/02/2026

We know those dogs (and Paul)!

Detection dogs help archaeologists locate unmarked graves and guide noninvasive surveys.