Advanced Metal Detecting for the Archaeologist (AMDA) will present its 16th class offering in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on 3-5 June 2022. The Valley Forge National Historical Park (National Park Service) will be the local partner for this class.
AMDA is certified under the Register of Professional Archaeologists continuing professional education program. The goal of the class is to provide professional archaeologists with an understanding of current best practices in metal detecting and to provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a variety of devices from a variety of manufacturers.
The course is offered as 24-credits. There are 8 hours of classroom work and the field portion is 16 hours. Fees will be $375.00 for 24 credits. At this class, both the classroom instruction and the fieldwork will be at Valley Forge National Historical Park. This is a rain or shine event, please dress accordingly.
The field sessions will contribute to ongoing research for the National Park Service. Valley Forge is beginning a three-stage project at the purported (map projected) location of the winter quarters of the artillery under General Knox. These winter quarters were cabins like the other winter camps at Valley Forge. The project area will cover 12-16 acres of meadow.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE VACINATED. The class dates are subject to change dependent on Covid-19 issues. AMDA will structure the class to limit the classroom and follow Federal, NPS and our internally developed Covid-19 policies. All participants will adhere to class Covid-19 guidelines.
Class size is limited to 35. Registration closes 25 April 2022. Please note, at this time space is extremely limited for this class and only a few spots are available. For information on availability, please contact Joe Balicki at AMDAinstruction@gmail.com.
It is illegal to use or even be in possession of metal detectors in the park [see regulation 36 CFR 2.1 (a)(7)]. AMDA has special authorization from the park to host this course as part of a National Park Service archaeological investigation.
Training location: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406.