Project archaeologist Andy Weir looks over the site of the Middle Island Life-Saving Station.

Welcome to the project website for the 2005 Middle Island Life-Saving Station Field School. The Middle Island Life-Saving Station, located near Alpena, Michigan, was one of several dozen life-saving stations established on the Great Lakes in the late 1800s. The Middle Island Life-Saving Station Field School aims to introduce students to the method and theory of historical archaeological techniques. Students will work closely with qualified instructors to gain a working knowledge and hands-on experience with basic field methods. Students will participate in all aspects of the field project including, but not limited to, historical research; logistical planning and implementation; field work and associated planning and orchestration including survey, excavation and data processing; and public outreach and access. 

The intrepid crew: Don Weir, Andy Weir, Ryan Riordan, Stephen Riordan, and Wayne Lusardi.

Click on the Daily Updates at left to follow the project day-by-day, or another of the links to learn more about the Middle Island Life-Saving Station and the U.S. Life-Saving Service in the 19th century.