The Montana Big Belt Mountains Archaeological Field School will introduce students to archaeological field methods and research design in one of the most beautiful settings in western United States. The research will be conducted within the Helena – Lewis & Clark National Forest 40 miles northeast of Helena, Montana. Our fifteen years of previous research has revealed numerous potentially significant archaeological sites which represent periodic occupation through the last 10,000 years.

The class is designed to train students in the basics of archaeological excavation and survey techniques. We will be excavating two high altitude multicomponent campsites with occupation from a few hundred to 9,000 years ago, as well as surveying surrounding areas. Our previous research identified two major drought periods, 2,000 and 8,000 years ago. We will be targeting these drought time periods to explore the relationship between paleoenvironmental change and prehistoric population adaptations.

The campsite is remote without cell service and two hours to the nearest town. Weather conditions can vary from over 100° F to working in snow. Students should be prepared for full days of digging and/or hiking carrying equipment long distances in remote areas. While the research sometimes involves demanding working conditions, the camaraderie, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating archaeology make for a unique field school experience.

All field school directors are experts in their field and passionate about their work. To discuss the suitability of this program for your career goals – whether within or outside academia – you are invited to contact the directors directly. For a broader discussion which ARC program to choose, you are welcome to contact our staff directly – you can do that through our “Contact Us” page.

Carroll College faculty emeritus and owner, Travis Archaeological services

Deputy Forest Archaeologist for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana,

• Application: You must apply online for this program – application is free
• Deposit: A $300 nonrefundable deposit (part of the total tuition cost) is required to secure a space in the program
• Credit Card Fee: Payments with credits cards incur 2.5% processing fee
• Late Fee: A $100 Late Fee will be added to the program costs if tuition is not paid in full by payment deadline
• Cancellation Policy: Carefully read our Cancellation Policy before committing to attend our programs
• Trip cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is not provided by ARC. Such policies have changed due to Covid 19. If you wish to purchase an insurance policy that covers pandemic contingencies, explore Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) plans. Insuremytrip or Travel Guard are possible websites where you may explore different insurance policies

Students and directors will be camping adjacent to the site, not in an established campground. Students will need to provide their own tent (with a FULL rain fly), sleeping bag (suitable for temperatures down to 20° F (-5° C), sleeping bag mat, towel and other personal items. Running water is not available but washing tubs with clean water will be available for washing. The site has a single vault toilet. The site does not have electricity, and flashlights will be essential (the night sky is phenomenal!).

All meals will be provided while in the field. Food will be prepared by the project cooking staff and will include well balanced, nutritious meals. Given how remote the site is, this program will not be able to accommodate any special diets (Kosher, Halal, vegan, etc.).

We suggest you hold off purchasing your airline ticket until six (6) weeks before the program begins. Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions & a range of other factors may require the cancellation of a field school. ARC typically makes a final Go/No Go decision six weeks before program begins. To protect students from potential financial loss, we urge you to purchase airline tickets only six weeks prior to a program beginning.

Students will meet with project staff members on June 6 at 12:00pm at the Helena Regional Airport (HLN). We will meet in the baggage claim as there is only one baggage carousel.

No visas are required for US citizens.

Citizens of other countries are asked to check the United States Embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirement.