Welcome to the University of Evansville’s archaeology department’s website documenting the ongoing excavation project of Tin City.  Since 2003, students enrolled in the Archaeology 340 Field Techniques and Methods course have had the opportunity to gain valuable field experience excavating the remnants of  post World War II residential buildings on the university campus (Kaiser, 2005, p. 4).  

            Tin City was erected in 1946 in the area which is now Neu Chapel, Moore Dormitory, and Wheeler Concert Hall (Kaiser, 2005, p. 4).   Originally named “College

 Court” by the administration, the housing complex quickly gained the nickname “Tin City” due to the aluminum siding construction of the buildings (Department of Archaeology and Art History, 2011). 

Students excavating a section of the Tin City site.

            The purpose of the field techniques course is to not only rediscover a part of

  Evansville history, but to also provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice proper archaeological techniques. Students will learn various types of surveying methods, how to excavate using a variety of tools, and how to accurately document their findings. During this course, students will obtai

n and hone skills that will help prepare them for future archaeological projects, stated Dr. Alan Kaiser, associate professor of archaeology (Wilson, 2008).

            The main goals of this course are to excavate, identify, and interpret the remnants of the material culture of the residents of Tin City (Department of Archaeology and Art History, 2011). The artifacts discovered will help the students to further understand a part of the University of Evansville’s historical background and how the university was a part of Evansville’s heritage. 

            If you want to learn more about Tin City and recent finds from the site, return to this website for weekly updates.  Field notes will be submitted weekly from students regarding the ongoing excavation.  We look forward to your continued support and interest in the Tin City project.