Centre students dig into valuable opportunities during summer archaeological field course
Centre College students spent their summer doing more than just reading about history; they were out in the field, uncovering it.
Through the Archaeological Field Methods summer term course in the state of Georgia, they left the classroom behind and gained hands-on experience working alongside seasoned archaeologists.
Led by W. George Matton Professor of Anthropology Robyn Cutright, the course partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to immerse students in two active research projects.
“Students were doing real archaeological work,” Cutright said. “They weren’t just observing, they were excavating, recording and interpreting. They were part of the research process.”
Such discoveries weren’t limited to just the United States. Centre archaeologists could be found across the globe this summer, working on four continents. Professors, students and alumni could be found in Armenia, Italy and Peru.
The summer term trip in Georgia was part of this broader effort — offering students a chance to contribute to meaningful research while learning the fundamentals of field archaeology.
Beyond learning technical skills, students were invited to dig into the human stories hidden in the earth, think about how we piece together the past, and reflect on the ways we protect and value cultural heritage. Their discoveries played a role in the ongoing journey to better understand the history of southeastern U.S. indigenous groups.
They also gained valuable experience working with an archaeological dig team. For several weeks, Cutright’s students teamed up with graduate students and faculty to excavate sites, conduct geophysical surveys, and process artifacts.
Centre alumna Zoe Doubles ’18, now a Ph.D. candidate at UIUC, joined Cutright as an instructor, building on the professional connection that started during her undergraduate years.
“It was wonderful to see Zoe in a leadership role,” Cutright said. “She’s grown into an excellent field researcher, and her presence made the experience even more meaningful for our students.”
The weeks in Georgia became much more than another course; they became an adventure into the past. Each day brought the excitement of real discovery. By the end, students returned home with muddy boots, stories to tell and a deeper appreciation for what it truly means to do archaeological research.
“Watching students improve week by week — not just in how they hold a trowel or draw a profile, but in how they understand and reflect on the research — is the most rewarding part,” Cutright said. “They begin to see archaeology not just as a method, but as a way of asking meaningful questions about human history.”
