Archaeology Field School @ Medalta

Registration now open!

Dig into the past with our annual Archaeology Field School @ Medalta! Based in the heart of Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District, this summer workshop is your chance to uncover real stories, artifacts, and the industrial heritage that shaped Canada’s ceramic legacy.

This excavation is especially important to us in 2026 as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, focusing on the legacy of Medalta. Jack Forbes, one of the original founders of the Friends of Medalta Society, had a hunch that a horse stable existed somewhere near the back of the factory and we believe we are truly fulfilling one of his life dreams to locate its exact position and bring its story to life.

Each week students will work alongside Archaeologist Dr. Talva Jacobson to continue the excavation of a historic stable used to shelter draft horses employed at Medalta Potteries sometime between 1912 and 1954. In 2025, over 100 artifacts were discovered!

Throughout this workshop, students will learn excavation techniques, site mapping, artifact washing, and interpretation. They will be taught how to engage in field methods using archaeological techniques to recover the material culture and to fully document the process of recovery, while learning how to take samples, record, analyse, and prepare resources for later study and preservation. Students are welcome to participate in all activities at the site and will be rotated daily (or weekly) so everyone has an opportunity to excavate, recover, document, or photograph units, as well as manage the field lab each day.

Students are welcome to register for one, two, or all three weeks.

Anyone registered in multiple weeks can choose to take on leadership roles and deepen their skills through expanded lab work and presentation opportunities.

Dates: July 6-10, July 13 – 17, July 20 – 24
Length: Choose from 1, 2, or all 3 weeks
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm daily (please arrive by 8:45 AM)
Ages: 16+
Investment: $375/week (multi-week discounts available)

Lunch: Bring your own; However, snacks and water will be provided
Lodging: Participants must arrange their accommodations and travel to site
Swag: Students receive custom water bottles, hats, and certificate of completion

Please Note: Field School @ Medalta involves moderate to strenuous physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking over uneven terrain, kneeling, bending and being in the sun for long periods of time. 

Spots are limited – don’t wait to register!

➡️ Discounts:

Are you registering for multiple weeks? You’ll automatically receive a 25% discount.

➡️ Refund Policy

A full refund (minus a $25 administration fee) will be issued if you cancel by the registration deadline. For cancellations after the registration deadline or no-shows, we will be unable to issue any refund. If you need to cancel due to medical reasons (documentation required), you will receive a partial refund.

➡️ Registration Information

To register, click on the REGISTER button below. You will be asked to create a Jumbula account or to sign into your pre-existing account.

Adding a second week? Click REGISTER FOR SAME PROGRAM at check out.