Nation’s Oldest Port® Maritime Archaeology Field School

Since 2007, the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP), the research arm of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, has provided professional and educational maritime archaeology training nearly every summer through our Nation’s Oldest Port® Field School.

Field school is a foundational component in the education of any student pursuing a career in archaeology. Each year, our professional archaeologists oversee an intense, five-week accredited program that provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience in maritime archaeological research.

In addition to methodological instruction and academic lectures, students gain real-world experience in all aspects of archaeology, including site set up, excavation, documentation, data management, and public outreach. We have partnered with Flagler College to organize and implement this four-credit course. Students may also set up course credit through their own university.

As an official American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Organizational Member, we are proud to offer AAUS Scientific Diver Training – run in conjunction with the field school.

Please see below for information on the upcoming 2026 field school. 

2026 Field School Application

Applications for 2026 will open January 19th. 

Please check back for an updated link to the application documents.

2026 Field School Supervisor Application

LAMP will select at least two Field School Supervisors for the 2026 season. Supervisors must already be an AAUS Scientific Diver with prior experience assisting with archaeological fieldwork and an interest in developing leadership and mentoring skills.

Supervisors serve as on-site leaders and mentors, supporting daily field operations both on the vessel and on land, coordinating student crews, and helping ensure that fieldwork, data documentation, and field house operations run smoothly. When not in the field, supervisors also act as intermediaries between the students and LAMP staff.

Supervisors will also:

  • Present one academic lecture (topic to be approved prior to the start of the Field School)
  • Plan and lead one weekend group excursion (museum, archaeology site, historic site, etc.)
  • Assist with training stations during the initial week of field school

Please note that there is no paid compensation for this position, but room and board are provided. Supervisors will need to arrive two weeks prior to the start of field school.

Supervisor Applications for 2026 will open January 19th. 

Please check back for an updated link to the application documents.

For questions, please email LAMP at the contact information below.

Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program

81 Lighthouse Avenue
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
lamp@staugustinelighthouse.org
Phone: 904-829-0745, ext. 203