ISU's Fall Semester Archaeological Survey Field School
Every Saturday from August 30 through December 13, 2008


Idaho State University, Department of Anthropology, offers a unique educational and training experience in archaeological survey methods for both advanced undergraduate and graduate students during the Fall Semester, 2008. Knowledge and skill in archaeological survey is essential to become a professional archaeologist employable by government agencies and private environmental contracting firms. Students will survey a large tract of land overlooking the Snake River near Massacre Rocks State Park west of Pocatello. The land has been privately owned since the 1880s and contains a variety of archaeological sites including ancient prehistoric hunting camps, 19th century homesteads and remnants of the Oregon Trail, and early 20th century farming and ranching sites. Student will document these sites in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Learn contemporary survey techniques including all aspects of field data recording:
  • Idaho Site Recording Forms
  • Site and Artifact Photography (digital and film)
  • GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
  • Mapping and Map Reading
  • Regional Artifact Typology
  • Obsidian Sourcing Technology (XRF)
  • Common Desert Plant Communities
  • Field Logistics
    • Students have the opportunity to learn all the above from Professor Rick Holmer. He has over 35 years of survey experience and is the founder of the IMACS site recording standards followed by state and federal agencies throughout much of the Intermountain West. He has also been a pioneer in the applications of computer and digital technology in archeological survey, interpretation, and reporting.
    Do you know your artifacts? Learn what they mean - chronologically, technologically and culturally. The archaeological and historical sites on the Field School survey tract have been extensively collected by the land owners, but clues remain about site age and function; and these clues can be decoded by the skilled and knowledgeble.

    Did you know that the broken bottle shown to the right was made before 1917 for wine or brandy? This is determined simply by studying the photo; and more might be learned by examining any seems, rings or lines on the bottle's base. Small obscure fragments often tell as much as complete pristine artifacts. You will learn this and more!
    Spend your Fall Semester perfecting your professional archaeological skills. Each and every Saturday you will learn more of what you need to become a professional field archaeologist. When the weather is bad and our time would not be well spent in the field, you will learn the laboratory and office aspects. You will complete site records for submission to the State Historic Preservation Office in Boise and will compose a final survey report complete with graphics and site forms. In the field and in the laboratory you will also have opportunities to meet professionals who will visit to share their insight and knowledge.

    So what are you waiting for? Register for ANTH 483: Field Research (index #110048) if you are an undergraduate, or ANTH 583 (index # 110087) if you are a graduate student. You will need Dr. Holmer's permission to register so send him an email at holmrich@isu.edu describing your academic experience and your career goals. Also mention any special skills or training you have, such as GIS, GPS, mapping, orienteering, etc. You do not need to be an anthropology major to apply - the experience is equally as valuable for history, ecology, and all environmental science majors.
    Fees: In addition to tuition, there is a $250 fee that covers all the direct costs including roundtrip transportation between ISU and the survey site every Saturday. Also included are all the maps, notebooks, forms, and reference materials necessary for students to learn and successfully complete the required tasks. We will have with us a group first aid kit (for significant injuries - not for personal daily use) and a few extra gallons of drinking water to make sure no one runs out.

    Required Personal Equipment: All students must have adequate clothing, footwear, food, and water to maintain comfort and productivity throughout the day. A complete discussion of equipment will occur during our first meeting on August 30 - we will not be going to the field that day but will be learning all the essentials in preparation for field work. All students must provide proof of personal health insurance and must sign a waiver releasing the university, the department and the field school personnel from any liability for personal injury or illness. Minimum personal equipment includes:
  • Boots (average tennis shoes are not sufficient for field work)
  • Socks (cotton socks don't work in the desert - moisture wicking socks are a must)
  • Hat (no matter how tan you are, you need to protect your brain from the heat)
  • Long sleeve shirt (again, protect yourself from the sun and reduce future cancer risk)
  • Sunblock cream is essential (minimum of SPF15 with UVA & UVB protection)
  • Packable rain jacket (desert storms can be killers)
  • Water bottles (you need at least four quarts of water for a day in the field)
  • Day pack (you have a lot to carry so carry it in comfort - we will probably be away from the vehicle all day long)
  • Personal medicines (consult your physician about allergies, etc.)
  • Personal first aid kit (cuts, scratches and blisters are common in the field so bring the resources to make yourself comfortable)
  • Lunch (you need to bring food - we will not be stopping at a quick stop on our way to the field)
  • Toilet paper (and a large zip lock bag to carry it out of the field - an absolute!)
    • Optional Personal Equipment:
  • Cell Phone (if you own one, bring it - not for personal communication but for safety purposes)
  • Compass (if you own one, bring it - if you plan to buy one, wait until we have our discussion on August 30)
  • GPS (if you own one, bring it - the more practice you have with it the better you will get)
  • Binoculars (if you own them, bring them - as long as they aren't too big and heavy)
  • Camera (personal photos will help this experience last a lifetime)
  • Pocket knife or multipurpose tool (you never know what you might need to repair)
    • Students can further develop their skill and knowledge during Spring Semester, 2009, by enrolling in a related course in Cultural Resource Management Law which will incorporate the results of the fall-semester survey. Be part of both, and learn the essentials for employment as a professional in Cultural Resource Management. See you soon!