University of Idaho to lead public archaeological dig at Assay Office in downtown Boise

BOISE, Idaho — University of Idaho anthropology Professors Renae Campbell and Mark Warner will lead a two-week public archaeology dig Monday, June 2, through Friday, June 13, in downtown Boise. The dig site will be located on the grounds of the historic Assay Office building, 210 Main St.

“Archaeology is a great way for people to experience Idaho’s history in a direct and hands-on way,” Warner said. “This project provides us with the opportunity to discover tangible evidence of life in Boise from almost 150 years ago through the recovery of artifacts related to mining and everyday life of Boiseans.”  

Students from U of I and Boise State University, along with U of I faculty members and volunteers will conduct excavations and clean artifacts on site each day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain time. The event is open to the public, and community members and media are welcome to stop by for free site tours. Members of the public interested in participating in the dig are encouraged to contact Warner at mwarner@uidaho.edu.  

This is the sixth public archaeology dig U of I has led in Boise, and the 11th in the state. Over the past decade, approximately 4,300 community members have visited these projects, and 320 volunteers have participated in the excavations.

Media contact

Mark Warner
Professor, Department of Culture, Society & Justice
University of Idaho
Office: 208-885-5954 
Cell: 208-892-4501
mwarner@uidaho.edu