Fairfield Foundation Archaeology Camps and Public Programs
Center for Archaeology, Preservation and Education (CAPE), 6783 Main St, Gloucester, VA 23061
About
Fairfield Foundation Archaeology Camps and Public Programs include lab nights, dig days, archaeology camps, summer archaeology camps, and workshops that combine archaeology and architectural conservation. The program also offers public education programs at parks and historic sites, along with presentations on a variety of topics related to local history and archaeology.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: The Center for Archaeology, Preservation and Education (CAPE) is open for tours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lab nights at the CAPE take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 6–9 p.m.
Established in 2000, the Fairfield Foundation’s mission is to promote and involve the public in hands-on archaeology, preservation, and education activities within Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and surrounding areas. The organization is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, and its educational programs are described as innovative and nationally recognized. The Fairfield Archaeology Park is described as the cornerstone of the foundation’s outreach programs, and the CAPE is housed in the preserved 1930 Edge Hill Service Station, whose accurate restoration is described as an example of sensitive reuse of a historic structure. The grounds of the CAPE are always open to the public to view the building exterior and signage, and the organization also offers an internship program that introduces students from across the country to archaeological and historical research, public outreach, and cultural resource stewardship.
The Fairfield Foundation works with multiple local and regional groups, including historical societies, genealogical societies, preservation foundations, parks, and civic organizations, to advance the study, recognition, and preservation of the region’s history and historical resources. It has established educational programs with public and private schools in Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, and King William Counties, as well as in neighboring cities and counties across the Middle Peninsula and beyond, and also works with scouting groups and other community organizations. The leadership team includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, members of the board of directors, co-directors, a senior staff archaeologist, and staff focused on development, public outreach, preservation programs, donor relations, and project management.
Last updated January 19, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: The Center for Archaeology, Preservation and Education (CAPE) is open for tours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and lab nights at the CAPE take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 6–9 p.m.
Established in 2000, the Fairfield Foundation’s mission is to promote and involve the public in hands-on archaeology, preservation, and education activities within Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and surrounding areas. The organization is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, and its educational programs are described as innovative and nationally recognized. The Fairfield Archaeology Park is described as the cornerstone of the foundation’s outreach programs, and the CAPE is housed in the preserved 1930 Edge Hill Service Station, whose accurate restoration is described as an example of sensitive reuse of a historic structure. The grounds of the CAPE are always open to the public to view the building exterior and signage, and the organization also offers an internship program that introduces students from across the country to archaeological and historical research, public outreach, and cultural resource stewardship.
The Fairfield Foundation works with multiple local and regional groups, including historical societies, genealogical societies, preservation foundations, parks, and civic organizations, to advance the study, recognition, and preservation of the region’s history and historical resources. It has established educational programs with public and private schools in Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, and King William Counties, as well as in neighboring cities and counties across the Middle Peninsula and beyond, and also works with scouting groups and other community organizations. The leadership team includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, members of the board of directors, co-directors, a senior staff archaeologist, and staff focused on development, public outreach, preservation programs, donor relations, and project management.
Last updated January 19, 2026.
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