2026
| College of the Holy Cross
| Ferdinando and Sarah Cinelli Fund Fellowship                                                                                       

Neala Kelley

Project Description

The Poggio Civitate Archaeological Field School, located in central inland Tuscany, is one of the oldest archaeological training programs in the world, offering students and enthusiasts the opportunity to excavate under the guidance of professional archaeologists, conservators, illustrators, and photographers. Participants receive comprehensive training in excavation, data collection, archaeological survey, conservation, illustration, photography, and cataloging. Most arrive with no prior experience and leave with a solid foundation in Etruscan archaeology and field methods, along with a deep appreciation for Italian culture. Work takes place both onsite and in the laboratory (Magazzino), with students rotating through excavation units and lab tasks. Fieldwork is enriched by weekly lectures on topics such as Etruscan history and Bucchero pottery, and visits to local museums. Free time, including weekends, allows for exploration of Murlo, Tuscany, and beyond.

As a result of the funding offered to me by the Etruscan Foundation, I was able to spend the summer in Vescovado di Murlo at the Poggio Civitate Archaeological Project, my very first field school. This was a dream for me for a few reasons. I was able to personally contribute to the archaeological site that I have been learning about and researching for close to four years. I was also able to try my hand at archaeology for the first time, which was rewarding for me as I grew up admiring and being inspired by my archaeologist father.

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