Preserving America's Battlefields & Historic Sites

AVAR collaborates with the National Park Service to conduct battlefield research, artifact recovery, and cultural heritage preservation projects.

Veteran-Led Battlefield Archaeology

Work professionally alongside the National Park Service to protect our nation's historic treasures.

AVAR teams up with the National Park Service (NPS) to provide veterans meaningful, paid archaeological opportunities at some of America's most iconic battlefield sites. Our veteran-led teams specialize in meticulous metal detection surveys and careful excavation techniques, revealing invaluable artifacts and historical insights that bring our nation’s stories to life. Whether you’re new to archaeology or already hold professional experience, AVAR projects offer expert training, structured support, and the opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation of American history.

Highlights:

  • Paid professional archaeological fieldwork

  • Specialized training in conflict archaeology and preservation methods

  • Expertise in systematic metal detection at renowned historical sites

  • Supportive, structured environment fostering professional growth

Group of people in outdoor forest, wearing high-visibility safety vests and safety hats, some holding tools and equipment, posing for a photo.

completed National Park Service (NPS) projects

  • Map of the Boston area showing a location marked with a red icon.

    Minute Man National Historical Park - Massachusetts

    Aug 11, 2024

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  • Map showing the location of Richmond, Virginia, with surrounding cities including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C., with highways and bodies of water marked.

    Glendale Battlefield - Richmond National Battlefield Park - Virginia

    Sep 10, 2023

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  • Map showing part of Pennsylvania and Maryland with a red and black star marker near Morganstown, Pennsylvania, close to the Pennsylvania-Maryland border.

    Jumanville Glen - Fort Necessity National Battlefield - Pennsylvania

    May 1, 2023

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  • Map showing the location of Norfolk, Virginia, with an icon of an airplane indicating an airport near the city.

    Travis Plantation - Colonial National Historical Park - Virginia

    May 16, 2022

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  • Map of New York State showing cities like Albany, Syracuse, and Utica, with a marker in Schroon Lake indicating a location of interest.

    Barber Wheat Field II - Saratoga National Historical Park - New York

    Sep 7, 2021

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  • Map of New York with a location marker near Schroon Lake highlighting a region in the Adirondacks.

    Barber Wheat Field I - Saratoga National Historical Park - New York

    Sep 7, 2021

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Focused Work with Meaningful Results

Gain professional skills while actively preserving our nation’s historical heritage.

NPS archaeological projects conducted by AVAR require sustained outdoor physical work including systematic metal detection surveys, artifact recovery, and precise documentation. Participants must be comfortable standing, walking, kneeling, and using metal detectors for extended periods. Projects typically last multiple weeks, and veterans can expect a disciplined, supportive, and substance-free work environment that emphasizes professionalism and respect for historic sites.

Highlights:

  • Physical demands: standing, walking, kneeling for extended periods

  • Comprehensive training in systematic metal detection

  • Substance-free, structured professional environment

  • On-site mental health and veteran support

A person using a Trimble GeoExplorer GPS device outdoors on a grassy field with small flags marking the ground.

Ready to Preserve History?

Join AVAR’s NPS archaeological teams and contribute your skills to the preservation of America's cherished battlefield sites. Take the next step toward a meaningful career in archaeological fieldwork.

Protecting America’s Battlefield Heritage

Veterans making significant contributions to preserving America’s historic battlegrounds.

AVAR’s collaborations with the National Park Service have contributed significantly to preserving and understanding America's battlefields. Our meticulous archaeological surveys have recovered critical artifacts and revealed insights into historic conflicts, directly aiding preservation efforts. Veterans involved in these projects gain valuable professional skills and play an integral role in safeguarding our shared history for future generations.