Want to Be an Archaeologist? Sign Up Now for Shisanhang Museum’s '2026 Summer Archaeological Field School' and Unearth 2,500-Year-Old History

Have you ever wanted to become a real archaeologist? Shisanhang Museum is launching two archaeological experience programs—'2026 Summer Archaeological Field School' and 'Prehistoric × Cultural Heritage Exploration'—from summer to early autumn, with age-specific excavation activities of varying depth. The August field school is open to high school students (and above) and the general public, offering a five-day hands-on excavation at the 'Shitoushigong II Site' in Wugu District.

On September 19 and 20, in celebration of 'Heritage Day,' a free one-day exploration event will be held for elementary school parent-child teams, guiding them from prehistoric sites to century-old historical buildings. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to personally uncover traces of human life dating back approximately 2,500 years!

The '2026 Summer Archaeological Field School,' co-organized by Shisanhang Museum and the archaeological specialist firm 'Chungku Cultural Heritage,' allows participants to enter real excavation pits, practice stratigraphic interpretation and artifact cleaning, and attend a 'Hokkien Archaeology Workshop' and guided tour of the nationally designated Dawenkeng Prehistoric Site. This 'dual-site exploration' enables participants to witness firsthand the two primary methods of archaeological site preservation: emergency documentation and in-situ conservation. The program also includes an in-depth visit to Shisanhang Museum, offering a full understanding of how archaeological findings transition from the field to exhibition spaces. Additionally, each participant will receive a professional archaeological tool kit—including trowels—to take home.

Specifically designed for elementary school families, the 'Prehistoric × Cultural Heritage Exploration' will take place on September 19 and 20. Parents and children will step into real excavation pits at the Wugu Shitoushigong Site, witnessing pottery fragments emerge after over 2,000 years underground. Decorative patterns from the Botanical Garden Culture found on unearthed ceramics can be recreated into lightweight clay magnets, allowing both children and adults to turn prehistoric designs into personalized souvenirs. The event also features Hokkien-language tours of the historic Wuqu Shou-Rang Hall, connecting the region’s development from prehistoric settlements to modern times and showcasing New Taipei City’s rich and diverse cultural foundation.

Dr. Pei-Hsuan Lo, Director of Shisanhang Museum, stated, 'The most moving aspect of archaeology is being able to touch time with your own hands.' The field school places participants directly on active rescue excavation sites, while the Heritage Day exploration turns cultural assets into part of everyday life. The '2026 Summer Archaeological Field School' will run in two sessions: August 10–14 and August 17–21. Registration is now open, with only 15 spots per session. High school students (and above) and archaeology enthusiasts are encouraged to apply. Residents of New Taipei City receive a local community discount.

The 'Prehistoric × Cultural Heritage Exploration' on September 19 and 20 is completely free, limited to 10 parent-child teams from elementary schools. For more information, please visit the official event website (https://www.archaeoquest.com.tw/archaeological-field-school) or the Shisanhang Museum Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/13hangmuseum).