Archaeology Field School
Bard Archaeology Field School is a hands-on summer learning program that enables students to do field research for college credit. Professor Christopher Lindner, Field School director, works with community colleagues to do research on descendants of the 1710 Palatine German immigrants & their later neighbors, some of whom were African Americans. We excavate at the 1746 Parsonage, or minister's residence, in Germantown. It housed non-church families in the 19th Century and most of the 20th. A link in the photo above will take you a menu of 15 online exhibits [interactive maps and virtual on-site displays, videos, slide shows].
After serving as a home for a succession of German Reformed ministers, the stone house was purchased in 1805 by a woman from a locally prominent family, who owned slaves. Another family member, a Dutch American physician, acquired the property by 1820. He is listed there in the 1830 census, with an African American farmer, Henry Person (ca. 1803-1863) and his family. Mr. Person purchased the house in 1852; his daughter's heirs sold it in 1911 to descendants of the Town's founders. In 1944, Friedl and Ernst Edward Ekert, German-American historic preservationists, bought the house and restored it, willing the property to the Town in 1989. Bard College began excavations there in 2009.
After serving as a home for a succession of German Reformed ministers, the stone house was purchased in 1805 by a woman from a locally prominent family, who owned slaves. Another family member, a Dutch American physician, acquired the property by 1820. He is listed there in the 1830 census, with an African American farmer, Henry Person (ca. 1803-1863) and his family. Mr. Person purchased the house in 1852; his daughter's heirs sold it in 1911 to descendants of the Town's founders. In 1944, Friedl and Ernst Edward Ekert, German-American historic preservationists, bought the house and restored it, willing the property to the Town in 1989. Bard College began excavations there in 2009.
What Students Do
Field School students learn basic techniques of excavation and mapping. For a 360-degree view [to the tune of E. Satie's Gnossienne #5] use link above. We read and discuss a variety of background materials and historical maps. We also do laboratory analysis of artifact finds, to formulate interpretations of our discoveries.
Program at a Glance
- The Archaeology Field School is open to college undergraduates, high school students rising into grades 9–12, grad students, and community members.
- Up to 12 participants will earn 4 college credits for 3 weeks of research.
- Tuition is $1,700 for 4 credits at the 200 level
- Financial aid is available based on need.
- Transportation will be available, for students traveling from Bard in Annandale, to and from the dig 8 miles north of the College.