News Archive

Registration open for 2018 Summer Archaeology Institute

Monday, 12 February 2018 12:31

The Wakefield Estate's Summer Archaeology Institute is a hands-on archaeological excavation at the historic Wakefield Estate in Milton, MA. It is one of only a few programs of its type in the country. The institute is specifically designed for high school and college students interested in learning about local history and archaeology. Participants will work side by side with graduate archaeology students from UMass Boston. Each two-week session offers students a hands-on introduction to the field of archaeology through participation in an actual excavation on site at the estate. To read about some of the past discoveries, check the news archive on here on our website.

2018 Dates & Schedule

Session I: July 9 – July 20; Monday-Friday 9 am-3:00 pm

Session II: July 23 – August 3; Monday-Friday, 9 am-3:00 pm

Program Description

In each two-week session, participants will work closely with archaeologists to conduct survey work and learn how to set up an archaeological dig. Students will gain excavation experience and the methods and techniques involved in conducting archaeology. Possible field trips and special events include visiting the Boston City Archaeology Lab and meeting specialists from nearby archaeological museums.  Participants will also gain experience in identifying artifacts and the behind-the-scenes activities that occur after the fieldwork has been conducted.

Requirements

• Willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Enthusiasm for hard work and getting dirty -- this is an archaeological dig!
• Commitment to teamwork and respect for others.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others.

Cost

• $300 per session; $450 for both sessions
• Scholarships available based on need.  Please call 617-333-0924 for more information.

Application Process and Deadline

To obtain a copy of our application, call 617-333-0924 or click here for a downloadable pdf.

• Send completed application to address below.
• Space is limited; applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

Send or fax(call 617-333-0924 before faxing) completed application to:

Erica Max, Program Director

Wakefield Charitable Trust

1465 Brush Hill Road

Milton, MA  02186

Planning and Creating a Compact Orchard

Monday, 05 February 2018 13:55

Become a backyard orchardist and grow your own fruit! Even with a small yard, you can enjoy fruit from your own trees with minimal effort and cost. This step-by-step workshop, to be held March 24 from 9:00-11:00 am, will teach you all you need to know to plan and create a compact orchard for years of enjoyment.. Participants will spend part of the workshop outside in the orchard for a pruning demonstration, so dress accordingly. Space is limited; pre-registration required.
Fee $20 member, $30 nonmember. Offered with the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.

Register at my.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 617-384-5277.

Feb. Stone Soup-Digging Deeper w/Archaeologist Dr. Sara Belkin 2/28

Monday, 05 February 2018 13:30

Time to take on the Gypsy Moths! 2/17

Tuesday, 23 January 2018 13:36

The Gypsy Moths are Coming! Learn how to identify and destroy this invasive pest before it does serious damage to your backyard and neighborhood! 

The Gypsy moth, an invasive pest, is making a comeback in New England. Introduced to the United States in 1869, the gypsy moth population explodes to very high numbers approximately every 10 years. During these outbreaks, the caterpillars strip trees of their leaves, defoliating neighborhoods or even entire forests in late June. While most healthy trees can survive a single defoliation, successive infestations can kill trees, especially those already stressed or which suffer drought or other damage. This is the second year of Gypsy moth infestation in the Blue Hills. It’s time to defend our trees! 

Come and learn many interesting facts about this pest including its connection to the spread of Lyme disease, reasons for its importation into the U.S. and how you can help manage the outbreak. This workshop will be held Saturday, February 17, 10 am-1 pm and be led by the Wakefield Estate’s Landscape Director Debbie Merriam. A brief presentation indoors will be followed by outdoor identification and removal of egg sacks from trees. Rain or shine; and dress accordingly. Space is limited, call 617-333-0924 to rsvp. $5-10 donation. Co-sponsored by The Friends of the Blue Hills.