Prospective Students
The Community-Engaged Field Program focuses on the Brush Arbor Cemetery, also known as Starkville Colored Cemetery.
The establishment date of this cemetery is unknown but the land has ties to the early founding of Starkville. Early history documents that that site was once a public graveyard for enslaved people then went on to be the resting place for African American people from a variety of backgrounds. Despite the interment of several prominent figures who were instrumental in the development of Starkville, the cemetery remains relatively forgotten. This is where the Community-Engaged Field Program takes action.
The Community Engaged Field Program is a five-week community based, multidisciplinary field school operated by Mississippi State University’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures. The program will examine the use of Brush Arbor/ Starkville Colored Cemetery in Starkville, MS. Students will learn from a variety of researchers including cultural anthropologists, biological anthropologists and archaeologists on how to preserve this African American cemetery using decolonial and community-based restorative models. During the course of the field school, students will develop and enhance mastery of many cutting-edge methods including archival research, archaeological pedestrian survey, historical research, GPR and GIS-based analysis, oral history and story mapping.In addition, they will work with field experts at Mississippi State University and beyond and engage with the local community. Under the supervision of instructors, students will develop community engaged research projects that increase community awareness of the Brush Arbor/Starkville Colored Cemetery and contribute to our Digital Archive.
Important Dates
Applications due: January 31, 2024
Final Decisions By: March 1, 2024
Field School Period: June 17-July 19, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
- We seek students interested in pursuing graduate studies in applied/cultural anthropology, history, archaeology, African American Studies, Museum/Archival Studies, or related fields.
- Preference for applications will be given to undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, specifically first generation and BIPOC students.
- Advanced undergraduates and graduate students (both MA and PhD) who are pre-comprehensive exams students are encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits
This is a fully funded research opportunity. Selected participants will receive housing, meals, a $200 per week stipend. Travel funds are also available up to $300 per participant for travel to the field school.
Required Components
- Completed Application
- Submit the following to brusharbor@anthro.msstate.edu in PDF format
- updated CV/Resume
- unofficial university transcript(s)
Submit Required Components by January 31, 2024 at 11:59PM CST. Please email brusharbor@anthro.msstate.edu with any questions.