PENNSYLVANIA - As the nation gears up for the America250 celebrations, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) invites history buffs to dig into the Commonwealth's rich heritage. Throughout October 2026, PA SHPO will host a series of five free "Learn at Lunchtime" webinars to celebrate Archaeology Month, with a strong focus on Revolutionary Era sites across Pennsylvania.
From the neglected grounds of Philadelphia's Fort Mifflin to the frontier landscapes of Western Pennsylvania, these sessions offer the public a unique opportunity to explore how archaeology—through Native American stone tools, 18th-century ceramics, and historic maps—uncovers the daily lives and defining events of early America.
2026 Presentation Schedule
Each free virtual program takes place on Fridays at 12:15 PM. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes and are followed by a live question-and-answer segment.
- Friday, October 2 | Fort Mifflin (Philadelphia) Community Engaged Archaeology at Fort Mifflin: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Philadelphia's Past. Dr. Kimberly Max Brown explores recent archaeological investigations at Fort Mifflin—often considered one of the nation's most neglected historic sites. Working alongside a team of Veterans, the project uncovered the food systems and preservation needs of this critical Revolutionary War fort. Register for the Oct. 2 event here
- Friday, October 9 | Fort Wallace (Westmoreland County) Locating Fort Wallace: Public Memory, Avocational Knowledge, and Archaeological Research. Emily Briggs discusses an emerging project to map and understand the Fort Wallace landscape, a Revolutionary-era frontier site. She highlights how archaeologists responsibly integrate local memory, oral history, and collector knowledge into public history. Register for the Oct. 9 event here
- Friday, October 16 | Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia) In the Shadow of Independence: The Archaeology of Old Philadelphia. Debbie Miller, Archaeologist and Curator at INHP, highlights how decades of excavation beneath the streets of Old City have uncovered the stories of the diverse communities, everyday citizens, and founding figures that shaped 18th-century Philadelphia. Register for the Oct. 16 event here
- Friday, October 23 | Historic Hanna's Town (Westmoreland County): The American Revolution in Western Pennsylvania: Archaeology at Historic Hanna's Town. Dr. Ben Ford explores life before, during, and after the Revolution in Western PA. Drawing on decades of volunteer and professional excavations, this talk reveals how artifacts illustrate the town's connections to international economies and its resilience after being burned in 1782. Register for the Oct. 23 event here
- Friday, October 30 | Paoli Battlefield (Chester County) The Archaeology and Memory of Paoli Battlefield. Dr. Matthew A. Kalos applies a unique "layered landscape" approach to the Paoli Battlefield. As a case study in conflict archaeology, this session examines not just the battle itself, but the cultural history and mnemonic legacy left on the landscape. Register for the Oct. 30 event here
How to Attend
Registration is required for each session. To sign up for the webinars and learn more about current preservation efforts across the state, visit the 2026 PA Archaeology Month website.
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