Greg Mills
When I signed up for the archaeological field school, I was not entirely sure archaeology was the right path for me. I have always loved history and have been fascinated by the idea of uncovering the past, but I still had some doubts. Would I enjoy the work? Would I feel confident cleaning and processing artifacts or interpreting stratigraphic layers? I hoped this experience would help me find clarity, and in the end, it did.
Over the course of several weeks, I had the opportunity to work at two different excavation sites (BcGn-17 and BcGn-15). Each offered its own challenges and insights, but it was BcGn-15 that left the biggest impression on me. The goal of this site this year was to focus on the house and determine the extent and character of the site. There, my partner Jordan and I were assigned our 2X2 metre unit to excavate (OA2) and began to work, taking the unit down in 10 cms intervals while documenting the changes, screening for artifacts, and interpreting the stratigraphy as we went.
My days at BcGn-15 were spent shovelling, sifting soil, trowelling, taking measurements and drawing maps, which made me quickly begin to understand truly how detailed and careful work archaeology is. Throughout the field school, I learned more than just field methods and technical skills. Working alongside other students and with Kate and James, I realized how collaborative archaeological fieldwork is. Everyone celebrated finds together, problem-solved together, and overall supported each other through the days. It felt like a community of people working towards a shared goal, and that made learning easier and more meaningful. Being a part of a team like this helped me grow more confident in my abilities.
One of the highlights for me was while sifting soil from OA2 at BcGn-15 was uncovering a .22 caliber bullet. It was a small find, but it brings up many questions, such as what it was going to be used for and by whom? Holding it and knowing it had been buried for a very long time was a strong reminder of why this work matters. Artifacts are more than just objects, they are traces of real people that came before us.
This experience confirmed what I had only hoped to be true, and that is that I can see myself in this field. I found true excitement in uncovering artifacts, interpreting stratigraphy and features, as well as overall understanding how each artifact can fit into a larger historical narrative. It gave me confidence in my abilities and made me want to keep learning and growing in this field. I’m leaving this experience with muddy boots, a full clipboard, and a strong sense of knowing my future field of work. And for anyone unsure if archaeology is right for them, I believe this field school is the best opportunity to find out, as it helped me realize I belong here.