Event Details

Public Archeology Dig at Fort Atkinson

Public Archeology Dig at Fort Atkinson

Our 2023 public dig has sold out.

On the weekend of September 30th and October 1st, join History Nebraska’s State Archeology Office (SAO) for a weekend community archeological excavation at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. This excavation is being conducted with assistance from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in conjunction with Nebraska Archeology Month and the final Living History Day of 2023 at Fort Atkinson.

Staff from the SAO will be excavating a scatter of artifacts thought to be from a blacksmith. This feature is located north of the barracks and has never been excavated. This feature is identified based on surface artifacts such as coal, slag, and clinker.

 

After registering, please download and fill out the waiver form. Please return it at the dig site when you arrive.

Registered participants will be provided excavation tools but should provide their own water, hat, gloves, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc.

A one-hour break for lunch will be provided each day. Participants may bring a lunch, or there are options in Fort Calhoun or Blair, a 15-minute drive north of the park. Additionally, participants must purchase a daily park permit ($6 for vehicles registered in Nebraska; $12 for out-of-state vehicles) or have a Nebraska Game and Parks annual permit.

Parking and restroom facilities are available near the excavation site, and a large tent canopy will be available for shade.

The minimum age for participants is 16 years. A registered adult must accompany participants under the age of 18.

Please contact Dave Williams, State Archeologist, with questions: [email protected], 402-219-2759.

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The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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