Welcome! Here at the University of Evansville the Archaeology 340 course (Field Techniques) is excavating the remnants of post World War II residential buildings which used to stand in what is now the area of Neu Chapel, Moore Dormitory, and Wheeler Concert Hall. Due to the aluminum construction, the site was dubbed Tin City in the 1950’s. The excavations of Tin City have been an ongoing project since 2003 and it continues to provide education for students as well as history for posterity.

            The purpose of the field techniques course is to not only uncover a part of Evansville history (pun intended), but to also provide a quality education and experience to its students. Throughout the course, students will learn how to conduct archival research, complete different types of survey methods, and excavate with tools such as trowels, picks, shovels, and screens. In addition, students will also learn one of the most important skills of archaeological fieldwork; note taking and record keeping. 

            The main goals of this course are to locate, identify, and interpret the remains of Tin City’s foundations and its inhabitants just east of Neu Chapel. The UE archaeology department seeks to not only discover, but to also understand. Students seek to answer questions about the site by interpreting what they find. Tin City was, and still is, a part of Evansville’s heritage and by excavating the remains and making the finds public, each citizen can relive a time long past. 

            If you want to explore Tin City, check this website often for weekly updates. Students will be submitting field notes from each day of excavation. Support your heritage by supporting the Tin City excavation! We look forward to hearing about your interests in our work!