About

We are a small but active ASV Chapter that primarily covers the lower Shenandoah Valley region which includes Frederick, Clark, Warren and Shenandoah Counties but we also work on projects elsewhere in Virginia. Over the years our members have had a long history of working with professional archaeologists on many historic and prehistoric sites. Our meetings are open to the public and membership is open to anyone that is interested in learning and participating in the various aspects of archaeology as part of the Archaeological Society of Virginia’s curriculum.

We also provide educational programs to civic and educational organizations that help the public understand and appreciate the different people who have lived in the Shenandoah Valley over the past 12,000 years and what we can learn about their cultural traditions and lifeways from the artifacts they left behind.

Prehistoric Excavations:  Our chapter is active in archaeological excavations at sites dating back over 8,000 years under the supervision of a Registered Professional Archaeologist. By sharing our findings with other professional and vocational archaeologists in Virginia and the surrounding states, we are adding to the understanding of the cultures of the peoples who first called the Shenandoah Valley their
home.

Historical Surveys & Excavations:  Our chapter has assisted in surveys of Civil War battlefields, excavations of 18th century structures, businesses, and homesites, and the identification of lost and unidentified gravesites.  Using maps, books, reports, museum artifacts, and graphic records, we conduct pre– and post-survey research to develop a more complete record of the sites we investigate.