JAMESTOWN — Jamestown welcomed 23 campers in two groups to its archaeology Kids Camp this summer.
Campers ages 9-12 worked on a real archaeological dig at the site of Jamestown’s last Statehouse, just outside the Voorhees Archaearium Museum.
Working alongside the Jamestown archaeology crew, campers uncovered rubble from the Statehouse, evidence of an earlier 17th-century building, and artifacts from Jamestown’s later history as a cultural heritage site, according to Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation.
Over the course of the week-long camps, each group of students learned about excavation methods, digital technology like ground-penetrating radar, artifact identification, and historic trades.
In their excavations at the Archaearium, the foundation said they uncovered a variety of artifacts from different time periods, including tobacco pipes, ceramics, window and bottle glass, and many, many nails.
Interestingly, campers in both sessions excavated fragments of a 19th-century George Washington reed pipe, according to Jamestown Rediscovery. These pipes, which mostly date to the mid-1800s, were created as a commemorative item and feature the face of the first president and “Washington” printed on the side.
Artifacts from the Statehouse site represent almost the full timeline of Jamestown, from the earliest days of expansion before the Starving Time, to a bustling colonial capital, to farmland, and, finally, to a cultural heritage site, the foundation explained.
“Our campers this year were so enthusiastic,” said Natalie Reid, Staff Archaeologist & Ed Shed Manager. “They all wanted to experience the daily life of archaeologists at Jamestown and were excited to participate in everything we threw at them. We’re so glad to offer this unique experience that helps cement the history the students are learning in the classroom with real-life artifacts.”
Summer camp at Jamestown is one of the only sites where young learners can experience archaeology hands-on through participation in real excavations that help foster an interest in the history of Jamestown and early Virginia, according to the foundation.
“The Jamestown Rediscovery project started almost thirty years ago, which means that many of the archaeologists working today were students back then. Many of us have had lifelong passions for archaeology, and I suspect some of our campers will inherit stewardship of Jamestown in the future. We’re excited to offer them the opportunity to learn real excavation skills and use cutting-edge technology like ground-penetrating radar every summer, an experience they can’t get anywhere else,” said Senior Staff Archaeologist Sean Romo.
Jamestown’s Archaeology Kids Camp is offered annually each summer. Announcements about 2025 programs will be available in early 2025.
To learn more or sign up for summer camp announcements, visit the Historic Jamestowne webpage.
