Field School at Ferry Farm

Dates: May 31-July 2, 2004

Who: A joint venture between George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation, and the University of South Florida

Goals: The field school allows participants to gain proficiency in excavation, recording, and field interpretation, and will include instruction in the practice and theory of historical archaeology.

Credit: This five-week long field school carries from three to six hours of undergraduate credit and graduate credit.

Housing: Housing at Mary Washington College dormitories is available for an additional fee.

Deadlines: Enrollment is limited and the application deadline is May 1, 2004.

Contact: Interested parties should contact Dr. Philip Levy at (813)974-7642, email: plevy@chuma1.cas.usf.edu

Description: George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation announces a field school in historical archaeology during the summer of 2004. Students will excavate at Ferry Farm, a National Historic Landmark that is rich in history. George Washington grew to manhood here, moving to the plantation at age 6 in 1738, and leaving in 1752. Legend claims that the cherry tree story ("I cannot tell a lie") and his powerful toss of a "silver dollar" across the Rappahannock took place here. During the Civil War Union troops camped here during the Battle of Fredericksburg. We will continue with the large-scale excavation of Washington's boyhood home this summer.