Fort St. Joseph was a mission, garrison and international trading post occupied from 1691 to 1781. The Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project is a partnership between Western Michigan University, the City of Niles, Support the Fort, Inc., and other community groups. Interested? Join us at one of our public events during our field season!
Summer Camps:
We offer several summer day camp programs for youth and lifelong learners. Participants dig alongside archaeologists at the site with opportunities to wet screen, map, and analyze recovered artifacts. We look forward to seeing you in the field!
An approved continuing education program, the FSJ Lifelong Learner Camps 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).
Cost: $150; Scholarships may be available
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday-Friday
Register online or email nileshistory@nilesmi.org for an application.
New! July 6-10 EXPERIENCED LEARNERS (For returning campers who have completed 1-2 years of FSJ Camp). Contact the Niles History Center for more information.
July 13-17 MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8)
July 20-24 HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)
July 27-31 LIFELONG LEARNERS AND EDUCATORS 
Lecture Series:
Free lectures focused on the season's theme are offered on Wednesdays. Lectures begin at 7:00pm at the Niles District Library (620 E. Main Street).
Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project Annual Open House - August 1 -2, 2020
Celebrate at the event of season!
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
Keep up with the Project all year long:
Follow the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Blog
Catch up with last year's field season by reading the 2019 Fort St. Joseph Annual Report
Visit https://wmich.edu/fortstjoseph
For information about WMU, the Project or archaeology at Fort St. Joseph:
Michael Nassaney, Ph.D
Principal Investigator, Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Program
Professor, Department of Anthropology
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University Institute for Intercultural and Anthropological Studies