The 2016 Coal Heritage Archaeology project is being led by Carl DeMuth (MA, ABD) in West Virginia's southern coal fields. Our excavations will focus on the towns of Tams, WV and Wyco, WV (the majority of the focus will be on Tams). These towns sit along the Raleigh County/Wyoming County border. Both of these towns were formerly owned and operated by WP Tams Jr. They are significant because WP Tams wrote a memoir about running coal towns, meaning that they are some of the most well documented company towns in Appalachia.
Fieldwork during 2016 is currently scheduled for June 6 to July 29 of 2016. Volunteers do not have to dedicate to participating for all 9 weeks, but those who commit to at least four weeks will receive a certificate of completion. During the week we will be staying at the Mullens Opportunity Center in Mullens, WV just a short drive from both field sites. The MOC is providing housing for the students. While the organization will not be charging participants for housing, donations are strongly encouraged (and tax deductible). The MOC has ample kitchen facilities, showers, and high speed wireless internet. Students are responsible for food, transportation, a field journal, and incidentals, but field equipment will be supplied. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The project runs from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday. On weekends volunteers are free to do as they wish.
We will be staying near the New River Gorge which offers some of the outdoor adventures in the mid-Atlantic. (Whitewater rafting, rock-climbing, mountain biking, etc). On rainy days we will do laboratory work, cleaning and analyzing the material recovered in the field. There is also the potential for museum visits if heavy rainfall is experienced.
Anyone with additional questions should contact Carl DeMuth at rcdemuth@indiana.edu
