Archaeology Field Institute

Archaeology Field Institute at the Bibb Escapes/Gatewood Plantation Site

This week-long program is open to ages 13 and up.

9AM to 3PM.

Transportation provided to/from the site and the History Center.

Reservations required by calling 502.222.0826

The Oldham County History Center’s Archaeology Field Institute is a weeklong chance for students, families, and interested individuals to participate in hands-on archaeology investigations that contribute and further our knowledge of past events and circumstances that happened almost 200 years ago in our community.

The investigation is conducted under the direction of archaeologists Jeannine Kreinbrink and Doug VonStrohe.  Kreinbrink helped to direct the deconstruction and reconstruction of the slave pen barn which is now the centerpiece exhibit at the Freedom Center Museum in Cincinnati. VonStrohe has been practicing archaeology in the northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area since 2005.

Students investigate the antebellum site known as the Gatewood Site in Trimble County.  The site was opened in 2005 and identified as the site where Henry Bibb spent time with his wife and daughter as enslaved laborers for the Gatewood family. After Bibb’s final escape from slavery, he began a fugitive colony in Canada for freedom seekers and created the Voice of the Fugitive newspaper making him the first African American editor in Canadian history.  Since 2007, the Oldham County History Center has conducted archaeological research on this site. In 2016 the National Park Service designated the site as part of the National Underground Railroad Network.

Many who have participated in the field school over the years have furthered their career goals in the field of archaeology, history, anthropology and related areas. Others have benefited from the knowledge of participating in hands-on science that contributes to the understanding of historical identity and the influence of how the past impacts future events from a local to international levels.

Interested parties should contact the History Center for more information. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Students must have transportation to the museum.  They will then be transported via a history center van, to the archaeological site and visit to Cincinnati. Those who can drive themselves may also proceed directly to the site.