Public Archeology Dig at Fort Atkinson

On the weekend of September 30th and October 1st, join History Nebraska’s State Archeology Office (SAO) for a weekend community archeological excavation at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. This excavation is being conducted with assistance from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in conjunction with Nebraska Archeology Month and the final Living History Day of 2023 at Fort Atkinson.

Staff from the SAO will be excavating a scatter of artifacts thought to be from a blacksmith. This feature is located north of the barracks and has never been excavated. This feature is identified based on surface artifacts such as coal, slag, and clinker.

You can register to participate during one day of the dig or both. Both days will run from 9 am – 5 pm. Registration is $20 for one day (Saturday or Sunday) or $30 for both days. Space is limited to 30 participants each day. History Nebraska members, please check your email for your discounted fee. 

To register for the dig, please use one of the following links:

Participate Saturday ONLY ($20)
Participate Sunday ONLY ($20)
Participate BOTH days ($30)

After registering, please download and fill out the waiver form. Please return it at the dig site when you arrive.

Registered participants will be provided excavation tools but should provide their own water, hat, gloves, insect repellant, sunscreen, etc.

A one-hour break for lunch will be provided each day. Participants may bring a lunch, or there are options in Fort Calhoun or Blair, a 15-minute drive north of the park. Additionally, participants must purchase a daily park permit ($6 for vehicles registered in Nebraska; $12 for out-of-state vehicles) or have a Nebraska Game and Parks annual permit.

Parking and restroom facilities are available near the excavation site, and a large tent canopy will be available for shade.

The minimum age for participants is 16 years. A registered adult must accompany participants under the age of 18.

Please contact Dave Williams, State Archeologist, with questions: dave.williams@nebraska.gov, 402-219-2759.