RUSSELL – The Kansas Archeological Training Program (KATP) Field School begins on June 4, offering public enthusiasts the unique opportunity to explore Kansas history through hands-on archaeological excavation, educational workshops, and public programs.

Hosted annually by the Kansas Historical Society in partnership with the Kansas Anthropological Association, the KATP Field School allows participants of all ages and skill levels to work alongside professional archeologists as well as experienced avocational archaeologists to uncover and document Kansas’ past.

This year, participants will be excavating a variety of sites in Russell including a petroglyph carving, a possible tipi ring site, a historic farmstead, a historic schoolhouse, a two-story stone structure, and a site related to World War II Army Air Force history. Most of these sites have never been previously documented or researched, and survey work in the field could discover more sites.

In addition to excavations, the field school includes a variety of presentations, programs, and other workshops providing attendees with the opportunity to hear from experts about preservation efforts across the state and other archeological discoveries.

Events Include:

June 4-15 - Russell - Kansas Archeology Training Program Field School (KATP)

June 5 - Russell - KATP program - Deines Cultural Center – 7 to 8 p.m.

June 6 - Hays - KATP Evening Tour of Fort Hays State Historic Site – 7 to 9 p.m.

June 7 - Russell - KATP Certification Program Meeting – 7 to 8 p.m.

June 8 - Russell - KATP Fossil Station Museum and The Avenue of History – 7 to 9 p.m.

June 9 - Russell - KATP Kansas Anthropological Association Executive Meeting – 7 to 8 p.m.

June 10 - Russell - Kansas Archeology Lab and Field Work Tours- 2 to 5 p.m.

- Russell - Register of Historic Places Workshop – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Russell - KATP Presentation “From Early Naturalists of the Plains to the Sternberg Fossil Lab” – 7 to 8 p.m.

- Russell - KATP Presentation “Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills” with Rex Buchanan – 7 to 8 p.m.

June 12 - Russell - KATP Presentation “Walker Army Airfield and the Battle of Kansas” – 7 to 8 p.m.

June 13 - Russell - Kansas Archeology Lab and Field Work Tours - 2 - 5 p.m.

Registration for the KATP Field School has closed, but all other programs are open to the public. For more information, program schedules, and event details, visit kansashistory.org or call 785-272-8681.