Annual Field Trip
Monument to Washington’s Revolutionary Encampment by Fearless LeChien via Wikimedia Commons.
2026 SPA Summer Field Trip
Exploring Revolutionary War Archaeology
July 16–19, 2026
Overview
In 2026, as the United States marks 250 years since the American Revolution, the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology will host its annual Summer Field Trip in the Philadelphia region, focusing on the archaeology of the Revolutionary War.
This multi-day trip will explore significant archaeological sites, landscapes, and institutions connected to the Revolutionary period, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with material evidence of this transformative moment in American history.
The weekend will combine guided site visits, expert interpretation, group travel, and shared discussion in a format designed to be educational, engaging, and accessible.
What to Expect
Participants can expect:
- Bus-based group travel for scheduled trip activities
- Visits to major Revolutionary War-era archaeological and historic sites
- Museum tours and site interpretation
- Talks and discussion with archaeologists, historians, curators, and other site professionals
- Opportunities for conversation and networking with fellow participants
Planned highlights include:
- Museum of the American Revolution
- Independence National Historical Park and Independence Hall
- Fort Mifflin
- Washington Crossing Historic Park
- General Warren Inn group dinner
- Brandywine Battlefield
- Valley Forge Historical Park
Please note that some final details remain subject to change as arrangements are completed.
Registration & Cost
Please complete the field trip registration form on the SPA website (link at top of page). One registration form must be completed for each participant. Registration must be completed by May 30, 2026.
Trip Fee: $450 per participant
Payment is also due by May 30, 2026. Participants may pay online through the SPA website or mail a check to the address listed in the detailed field trip information link at the bottom of this page.
The $450 trip fee includes:
- Bus transportation
- Three lunches
- One group dinner
- Entrance fees
- Tours
- Speaker fees
The trip fee is the same for members and members’ guests. Hotel accommodations and some meals are not included.
If you are interested in participating but find the cost difficult, please contact SPA about possible sources of funding assistance.
Hotel Information
Participants must book their own hotel accommodations.
Hampton Inn and Suites
40 State Farm Drive
Glen Mills, PA 19342
Trip lodging dates: Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19
Participants not traveling with the Western Pennsylvania group may choose to book a fourth night and depart on Monday, July 20.
SPA has arranged a room block at a rate of $149 per night for a double occupancy room with either two queen beds or one king bed. With taxes and fees, the estimated total is $162.41 per night, or $487.23 per room for three nights. Shared between two people, that is approximately $243.62 per person.
Hotel reservations must be made by June 20, 2026 to secure the group rate.
Questions
If you have questions about the trip details, travel arrangements, or participation, please contact the field trip organizers through the SPA website.
Visit the Contact Us page and choose “Annual Field Trip Coordinator” from the inquiry dropdown menu. Your message will be sent directly to the trip organizers.