Fort St. Joseph was a mission, garrison and international trading post occupied from 1691 to 1781 by the French and the British. The Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project began in 2002 and unearths more information every year! 
There are several ways you can be a part of the Project:
Summer Camps:
WMU and the City of Niles are excited to offer several summer camp programs for youth and lifelong learners, alike! These camps provide an opportunity for the public to engage in history and search for evidence at the Fort St. Joseph archaeology site.
Led by WMU’s Education Instructor Tim Bober, participants spend a week discovering the extensive history of FSJ and participating in onsite excavation with opportunities to wet screen, map, and analyze recovered artifacts.
An approved continuing education program, the FSJ Lifelong Learner Camps are able to offer applicable students three (3) WMU Graduate credits, nine (9) State Board Continuing Education Units (Michigan), credits for recertification (Illinois), and/or credits applicable toward the Professional Growth Plan (Indiana).
Check back for 2018 Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Summer Camp dates!
Lecture Series:
During the 2017 field season the public is invited to engage in several interactive and educational programs, focusing on this year’s theme: Community Partnerships: Building Meaningful Connections Through Archaeology . This year’s annual four-part lecture series, begins on Wednesday July 12, 2017 at 7 pm at the Niles District Library.
- August 2 - "Archaeology and Communities, Past and Present" Dr. Dean Anderson, Michigan State Archaeologist
People of all ages are invited to attend and:
- Meet WMU archaeologists working at the Fort St. Joseph archaeological site
- Explore the active Fort St. Joseph archaeological site
- Participate in children's activities and crafts
- View recently uncovered artifacts
- Listen to period music and participate in period dance
Follow the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Blog
The Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project is a collaboration between the City of Niles, Western Michigan University, Support the Fort, Inc. and other community groups.
Western Michigan University and Fort St. Joseph
WMU archaeologists are working to unlock the secrets of this long lost, but not forgotten, frontier outpost of New France. Our efforts are conducted in partnership with the City of Niles, the Fort St. Joseph Museum, Support the Fort, Inc., and other community groups. We look forward to seeing you in the field or at a future public venue.
Michael Nassaney, Ph.D
Principal Investigator, Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Program
Professor, Department of Anthropology
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University's Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Program