Digging in dirt over long durations was quite the task for some BRVGS students this summer at the Montpelier Archeology Field program. “The most difficult part, honestly, was staying on track while digging because I would get tired or hungry,” said senior Devon Burger. Devon, along with Fluvanna County High School classmates Sasha Morgan and Lauren Staton, as well as Louisa seniors Kat Topf and Abby Whitlock participated in the weeklong on-site experience at the home of U.S. President James Madison in Orange.
But apparently the rewards outweighed the challenges because the five seniors persevered and praised the program experience. “For me, the most rewarding aspect of the field school was the opportunity to contribute to the worthy cause of the historic preservation/research of Montpelier,” noted Abby Whitlock. She added that such an objective is “something I have always felt is extremely important.”
The students enrolled in the program for James Madison University college credit, BRVGS Senior Internship placement, and/or personal discovery. In addition to their excavation work, they processed artifacts and samples in the lab, heard lectures, and toured the mansion and archaeological sites on the property.
“The most rewarding aspect of the experience was the feeling of accomplishment when you found an artifact and the knowledge you gained from the experience,” said Sasha. I would definitely recommend the experience to others; it is a great opportunity to discover history.”
Sasha Morgan, Lauren Staton , Matt Reeves (Head Archaeologist for Montpelier), Devon Burger, Abby Whitlock, and Kat Topf in front of Montpelier's west wing.The Blue Ridge Governor’s School students contributed to artifact discoveries during their week at Montpelier. Sasha said, “We uncovered a piece of coral that is believed to belong to and be traded among slaves as a form of property and rank among the slave population.”
Devon was enthusiastic about her finds, and added that “Peggy, the intern I was paired with, and I found the corner of an outbuilding that they have been looking for, and we found pieces of ceramic. Overall it was an awesome week!”
Perhaps Abby best captured the essence of the experience with these words: “The opportunity to watch history literally be unearthed in front of your eyes and be able to touch it and call it your discovery is simply...amazing.’
See more images of BRVGS students working in the Montpelier Field program by clicking on BRVGS Students at Montpelier.