The program is structured with equal emphasis on conducting research and the professional development of the participants. Interns will learn skills equivalent to those employed in a Phase III investigation, supplemented with workshops, lectures, and other learning opportunities. The internship is run under the direction of a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA).

This is a nationally competitive internship. Our typical applicant is an anthropology major or is studying a closely related discipline. Field experience is not required, but is recommended. Most successful applicants will have one previous season of experience, often in a university field school or similar setting. We usually decline to hire applicants with lengthy excavation experience as they are often overqualified for this internship and supervisory positions are limited. University credit is not offered, although some past participants have arranged independent study credit through their own universities. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S. The Dayton Society of Natural History is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity employer.

Working environment will be primarily outdoors with the possibility of hot and humid working conditions. Applicants must be physically able to work effectively under these conditions and be capable of lifting 20 pounds.

The internship is scheduled full-time for eight weeks (June 14 – August 6) and is a paid internship ($7.50/hour with 40-hour weeks). Participants should plan to be present for the full eight-week duration, with limited exceptions. Housing will be arranged by DSNH for non-local participants. The cost for housing will be partially subsidized by DSNH, with non-local interns asked to contribute $500 for housing for the summer.

If you would like to apply for this internship, please mail a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to:

Bill Kennedy, Curator of Anthropology
Dayton Society of Natural History
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, Ohio 45414

There is no specific application form for the internship, although selected applicants will be asked to complete an employment application and a disclosure form. At present, we are not accepting volunteers. We begin accepting resumes in January 2010. The deadline for application is March 15th.

NOTE: This internship will include experimental reconstruction at Fort Ancient State Memorial, but is not affiliated with Wright State University. Wright State University will be conducting a separate university-sponsored field school excavating at Fort Ancient State Memorial. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Riordan, Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Wright State University, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Questions may be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .