American Veteran Archaeology Recovery promotes the well-being of disabled veterans transitioning to civilian life through field archaeology Photo by Reuvan Kastro

A unique collaboration between a veterans group and Saratoga National Historical Park in upstate New York could shed some light on an American Revolutionary War battle waged nearly 250 years ago.

The project calls for the park staff to work with American Veterans Archaeological Recovery to survey the Barber Wheatfield, a historic site associated with the 1777 Saratoga battlefield. The work is being partially funded by the American Battlefield Trust. The first phase of the project, set to begin in late spring, will be a metal detector survey and limited excavation, followed by artifact cataloging and documentation.

Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam veterans will participate under the guidance of experts from Advanced Metal Detecting for the Archaeologist and Park Service archaeologists — a special agreement between NPS, AVAR, and the Trust ensures use of modern preservation methods and makes the project possible.

“Just as the American Revolution was central to our nation’s founding, supporting our veterans is crucial to our future,” said Jim Lighthizer, Trust president. “Through this partnership, we have a unique opportunity to recognize today’s veterans while discovering the lost secrets of those who fought and fell at Saratoga. We are proud of our role and thrilled to provide a bridge between modern and historic military.”

The project’s goal is to investigate the artifact patterning in the second battle of Saratoga — a turning point in America’s fight for independence — while providing veterans with lifelong support systems, transferable skills, a therapeutic outlet, and an opportunity to participate in something larger than themselves. 

“Saratoga National Historical Park is honored to host the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery,” said Saratoga Superintendent Amy Bracewell. “This project will give us a better understanding of the battle and events that unfolded at Saratoga. Connecting modern veterans to this sacred battlefield and getting their help with this archeological study brings our nation’s history full circle and emphasizes the importance of this project.”

At AVAR, CEO Stephen Humphreys said the project "allows us to empower veterans as they reconcile the differences between military and civilian life. Our priority is to provide veterans with opportunities to highlight their skills and work toward something bigger. Together, we can bring people together and contribute to our understanding of American history.”

AVAR projects build a community for participants and help bridge the divide between military service and civilian life by giving veterans high-level training and a sense of belonging. Archaeology projects like the Saratoga survey let veterans see how their contributions make a difference to a mission that matters; the results of this work has the potential to change our understanding of history, a parallel to missions performed while serving.

AVAR’s work can also provide important historical insights. The project’s site, Barber Wheatfield, was host to the second battle of Saratoga and the veterans’ findings could help clarify the events that occurred as American and British forces clashed on the battlefield. While this project is integral in the analysis of the archaeological record at Saratoga, the work is also invaluable to the wellbeing of our nation’s veterans and the preservation of our history.