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2025 Kansas Archeology Training Program Field School

Investigate Kansas' Territorial History:
June 6-15, 2025
Lecompton (Douglas County)

The Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) and Kansas Anthropological Association (KAA) are excited to hold the annual Kansas Archeology Training Program (KATP) field school June 6-15, at the Mount Aeolia Ruins (14DO375), a historic site in Lecompton. The field school will work with Dr. Laura Murphy, associate professor of anthropology at Washburn University, who will offer her archeological field school course (AN 372) through the university. 

This year’s field school will focus on the ruins of a home built in 1857 by the secretary and twice acting governor of Kansas Territory, Frederick P. Stanton. Various occupants lived in the house until Governor Harry Hines Woodring purchased it in 1940. He planned to restore the home and call it Rebel Hill, but that never happened. Eventually, the structure was nearly demolished due to trespassing and vandalism on the property. Despite the damage, parts of the basement are still visible today. The field school will focus on excavations within and near the structure to explore the lives of its many occupants. 

KSHS and the KAA have officially partnered on the KATP field school since 1975, with this year marking the 50th anniversary. The field school allows the public to work alongside professional and experienced avocational archeologists. Participants will have opportunities to help conduct archeological surveys and excavations and process, clean, and catalog materials in an archeology lab. 

Participation and Registration Details:

  • Experience: No prior experience is necessary as training is provided. All KATP participants are required to attend classes on orientation and archeological principles, which last around four hours and are available each day.

  • Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 12 years old. Individuals between ages 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or sponsoring adult.

  • Attendance: Individuals can participate for a single day, a weekend, or the entire field school. Registration for field school activities is limited per day and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Fees: Members of the KAA or the Kansas Historical Foundation can participate at a discounted rate; the fee is $35 for standard participants, $25 for participants 65 and older, and $15 for students currently enrolled at a middle school, high school, or college. Nonmembers of the KAA or the Kansas Historical Foundation will pay $90 for registration.

  • Registration: Registration is available online from March 1 through May 31, 2025. 
     

Register Here


The Kansas Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs. KSHS requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.

For more information, contact kshs.katp@ks.gov or 785-272-8681, ext. 267.

Image of the 2025 field school site was provided courtesy of Angelo Ruiz.