Arkansas Archeological Society and Survey present
2026 Training Program in Archeology
Plum Bayou Mounds State Park
May 30-June 14
Registration link coming March 2026
Overview
The Training Program in Archeology provides the public the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of archeological fieldwork: survey, mapping, excavation, photography, lab work and more! Participants work under the supervision of professional archeologists and experienced avocational archeologists. The only requirements are an interest in archeology, a commitment to ethical archeological practices, and possession of a current Arkansas Archeological Society membership. Every registrant will attend a one day orientation, choose their dates of participation, select off site accommodations or camping, and select seminars of interest. You can register for as few as 2 days and as many as 14. Participants must be 8 years of age or older. All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information contact aasociety@arkarch.org
Complete these requirements before registering
—Obtain a current 2026 Arkansas Archeological Society Membership
–Read the 2025 Training Program article information on logistics, site history, seminars offered, camping, and more.
Past courses and seminars offered: Basic Excavation, Advanced Excavation, Basic Lab Methods, Site Survey, Ceramics, Site Stewardship training, Archeochemistry & Soils. Please note: courses, seminars, and trainings vary from year to year.
2025 Cost Information
Grants/Scholarships Available
Bragg Family Grant for up to 5 family members
Hester Davis Scholarship for university students in archeology or related fields
Scroll down for information on the completed 2025 Training Program in Archeology
Tip #1- Membership
Register for your 2026 AAS Membership ahead of time before the registration form is released.
Tip #2- Plan Ahead
Plan out your schedule with family, friends, and work in mind. You can come for 1 day up to the full 2 weeks, so you can be flexible!
Tip #3- Register Early
Fill out the registration form ASAP. We will only have 100 volunteer spots this year, so we’ll book up quickly!
Tip #4- Lodging
Plan your camping or hotel situation. Camping is at Willow Beach Campground, and you’ll pay for camping on your Training Program Registration Form. Hotel booking is the responsibility of the volunteer. The AAS does not handle hotel booking for participants.
Tip #5- Questions!
Ask questions! Especially when filling out our forms or creating a plan, please read everything carefully! We’re always here to help if you email aasociety@arkarch.org or call 4795753557.
Typical Training Program Schedule
Thursday, May 29 – Friday, May 30: Field & Lab Setup
Saturday, May 31: Field & Lab Activities Begin
Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 6: Week 1 Seminars
Saturday, June 7: PUBLIC DAY! Come on out to see the lab, fieldwork, and ask archeologists questions!
Sunday, June 8: AAS Site Stewardship Workshop
Monday, June 9: DAY OFF!
Tuesday, June 10 – Saturday, June 14: Week 2 Seminars
Saturday, June 14: Last Day in the Field/Pack Up!!
Sunday, June 15: See you in 2026!
Seminars Offered
Annual Seminars:
Basic Excavation (Week 1 & 2, Full Day)-
Basic Lab (Week 1 & 2, Half Day PM)-
Site Survey (Week 1 & 2, Full Day)-
Rotating Seminars:
