• 25 July - 22 August   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Emil Nankov, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS), Tsvetelina Slavkova (AM Septemvri)

• 6 June - 4 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Matthew Schuller (BHF, Hampden-Sydney College)         

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

• Session 1: 19 July - 02 August
• Session 2: 19 July - 15 August   

The field school begins alongside excavations of Tell Nenova in Nova Zagora, in partnership with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany) and New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria). It investigates Early Bronze Age layers (3rd millennium BCE) of the Tell, contemporary with the early centuries of Troy, and examines relations between local communities and the Anatolian metropolis.

Field school directors: Dr. Philipp Stockhammer, Prof. (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), Dr. Bogdan Atanasov, Asst. Prof. (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Bogdan Atanasov, Asst. Prof. (NBU) 

• Session 1: 4 - 18 July   
• Session 2: 18 July - 1 August   
• Session 3: 4 July - 1 August   

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)   

Dig director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 4 July – 1 August   

Field school director: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (AAS)

Dig director: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (AAS)

• 27 - 28 June   

This educational tour brought BHFS students to Thessaloniki, exploring the city’s rich ancient and Byzantine heritage through its archaeological sites, Roman monuments, and historic landmarks that reveal its role as a major cultural centre of the Mediterranean. 

• 20 June - 4 July   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• 14 June - 4 July   

The field school takes place in Malta, focusing on investigation of the Late Roman harbour in Marsaskala, in partnership with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (Malta). It enables participants to gain hands‑on experience in underwater archaeology and to learn about Roman civilization in Malta.         

Field school director: Anton Motivans (SCHM), Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Dig director: Debra Camilleri (SCHM)

• 31 May - 27 June   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 24 - 30 May - Metal  
• Session 2: 31 May - 6 June - Ceramics   
• Session 3: 24 May - 6 June   

Field school director: Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (University of Barcelona)

Chief instructors: Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (University of Barcelona) and Dr. Anno Hein, research director at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCSR Demokritos)

• 25 May - 7 June

• 23 May - 13 June   

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

• Session 1: 24 May - 7 June 
• Session 2: 31 May - 13 June
• Session 3: 7 - 20 June
• Session 4: 24 May - 13 June   

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, resercher and conservator (University of Barcelona), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• 23 May - 5 June   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)   

• 23 May - 05 June   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Arch. Stefan Stoyanov (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. David Carrington, managing director and accredited conservator-restorer (SW) 

• 30 March      

A partnership with ARC began, enabling BHFS participants to receive U.S. credit hours from their academic partners upon request.

• 1 - 3 August

• 26 July - 22 August   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Emil Nankov, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 12 - 26 July   

Over 15 seasons 82 international participants and professionals conserved 251 artifacts from Stobi collection; the objects are housed in the Stobi Museum. A 2016 publication presents 21 highlights from 2010–2014.

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• 12 - 26 July   

Photogrammetry & 3D Archaeological Recording for Archaeologists

The field school takes place in Stobi, North Macedonia, focusing on the application of photogrammetry in archaeological research and 3D documentation. The project provides participants with practical training in the digital recording, processing, and visualization of archaeological heritage.

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Kristen Jones (Queens University, Canada)

• Session 1: 12 - 26 July  
• Session 2: 26 July - 9 August
• Session 3: 12 July - 9 August   

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 5 - 26 July   

The field school runs alongside excavations at one of the pillars of European prehistory: the Neolithic settlement of Amzabegovo near Sveti Nikole, North Macedonia, in partnership with the Austrian Archaeological Institute — Austrian Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the Municipal Institution People's Museum — Sveti Nikole. The site preserves evidence of Early Neolithic farmers who migrated from Southwest Asia to Europe in the 7th millennium BCE.   

Field school director: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (AAS)

Dig director: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (AAS)

• 5 - 14 July   

The field school is held in partnership with the National Museum of Natural History at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NMNH). The project provides participants with hands‑on training in zooarchaeology and the analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites.

Field school director: Lyuba Manoilova (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Nadezhda Karastoyanova - zooarchaeologist (NMNH)

• Session 1: 22 June - 28 June - Metal   
• Session 2: 29 June - 05 July - Ceramics   
• Session 3: 22 June - 05 July   

Field school director: Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (University of Barcelona)

Chief instructors: Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (University of Barcelona) and Dr. Anno Hein, research director at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCSR Demokritos)

• 7 - 21 June   

Thanks to the partnership with the Municipal History Museum Sredets this workshop takes place for the first time at the Archaeological Reserve Deultum–Debelt, Bulgaria and is held independently after having been part of the Workshop for Conservation of Roman Pottery and Glass at Stobi, North Macedonia for seven seasons (2015–2019 and 2022–2023). Participants work with the exceptional glassware excavated at Roman Deultum.

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• 7 - 21 June   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• 28 - 29 June   

This educational tour brought BHFS students to the ancient Macedonian capitals of Aigai and Pella, where they explored royal palaces, archaeological treasures, and the history of the Macedonian kingdom.

• 7 June - 6 July         

Archaeological evidence uncovered during decade‑long excavations of the so‑called Prison at Stobi by local archaeologists and field school participants has led researchers to reconsider its function; they now suggest it was originally built as a temple, possibly dedicated to Bacchus.

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Matthew Schuller (BHF, Hampden-Sydney College)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)         

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• 1 - 28 June   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 25 May - 7 June   
• Session 2: 1 - 14 June
• Session 3: 8 - 21 June
• Session 4: 25 May - 14 June      

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, resercher and conservator (University of Barcelona), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• 24 May - 14 June      

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

• 24 May - 07 June

• 10 - 24 May   

This field school is the result of a collaboration between the  Balkan Heritage Foundation, N.I. Stobi(North Macedonia), and Skillington Workshop (UK) for conservation of the Theodosian Palace at Stobi. Professional conservators from three countries teach participants documentation, study, and conservation of architectural remains at the Roman ruins of Stobi.   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. David Carrington, managing director and accredited conservator-restorer (SW) 

• 31 August - 07 September   

The field school runs alongside an expedition documenting the medieval Levantine heritage of Chios (Greece), in partnership with the Municipality of Chios. The project provides participants with hands‑on training in medieval archaeology and in documentation and study of the island’s medieval monuments and landscape.

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Ioanna Koukounis, independent researcher

• 18 - 24 August   

Photogrammetry & 3D Archaeological Recording for Archaeologists

The field school takes place in Karabunar, Bulgaria, focusing on the application of photogrammetry in archaeological research and 3D documentation. The project provides participants with practical training in the digital recording, processing, and visualization of archaeological heritage.

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Kristen Jones (Queens University, Canada)

• 21 July - 18 August   

Over 10 field‑school seasons (2013–2019 and 2022–2024) the field school was attended by 143 participants from around the world. Together with professionals, they excavated the southeast residential area containing the earliest evidence of occupation in the emporion (5th c. BCE) and sections of the fortification wall. Among the most important finds are coins, bronze ornaments, seals, and imported Greek luxury vessels.   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Emil Nankov, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 13 - 27 July   
• Session 2: 27 July - 10 August   
• Session 3: 13 July - 10 August      

Over 10 field‑school seasons (2013–2019 and 2022–2024) the program welcomed 86 students and volunteers from around the world. Together with professionals, they excavated layers of the Copper Age residential area in and south of Mikov's trench. Among the important finds is a tiny gold ornament exceptional for its date (early 5th millennium BCE) and its context (not from a necropolis).   

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 24 - 28 June - Metal 
• Session 2: 1 - 05 July - Ceramics   
• Session 3: 24 June - 05 July   

Workshop at Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the National Centre for Scientific Research ˊDemokritosˋ (NCSR Demokritos) covering history and technology of ceramics and metal objects, their documentation and physicochemical analysis, and training in OM, pXRF, SEM‑EDS, IR, XRD, petrography, elemental/statistical analysis, dating techniques, and 3D scanning.    

Field school director: Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (NCSR Demokritos)

Chief instructors: Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator and Dr. Anno Hein, research director at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCSR Demokritos)

• 23 June - 05 July   

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• 23 June - 20 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Matthew Schuller (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• 1 - 21 June   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• 1 - 21 June   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Tome Filov, professional conservator

• 1 - 29 June   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Kate Kolpan, Asst. Prof. (University of Idaho)

• Session 1: 26 May - 1 June   
• Session 2: 2 - 8 June
• Session 3: 9 June - 22 June
• Session 4: 26 May - 15 June   

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, resercher and conservator (NCSR Demokritos), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• 25 May - 15 June   

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

• 25 May - 08 June

• 10 May   

A 2-year partnership with CFS began, enabling BHFS participants to receive U.S. credit hours from their academic partners upon request.

• 24 July - 20 August         

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Emil Nankov, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 22 July- 5 August    
• Session 2: 5 - 19 August   
• Session 3: 22 July - 19 August   

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 16 – 29 July   

The workshop resumed after a three‑year pandemic gap at a new location: the Archaeological Reserve Deultum–Debelt, in partnership with the Municipal History Museum Sredets. New museum laboratories and accommodation facilities enable comfortable work for participants. The workshop’s main objects remain fragmented Ancient Greek ceramics from Apollonia Pontica, thanks to collaboration with the Archaeological Museum – Sozopol.

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• Session 1: 08 – 22 July   
• Session 2: 08 July - 05 August   

Field school directors: Dr. Philipp Stockhammer, Prof. (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), Dr. Bogdan Atanasov, Asst. Prof. (NBU) 

Dig director: Dr. Zhivko Uzunov, Asst. Prof. (NBU)

• Session 1: 3 - 17 July   
• Session 2: 3 - 23 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• 24 June – 16 July   

Final season. Over two seasons 20 international participants excavated Uzun Mera and Peshka rock‑shelter, learning Prehistory and contemporary North Macedonian culture and gaining hands‑on experience in field archaeology and finds processing; tours included Stobi, Bargala, and Skopje.    

Field school director: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (BHF) and Dr. Trajce Nacev, professor (GDU)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Sarah Lacy (California State University, Dominguez Hills, Los Angeles)

• 24 June – 22 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Matthew Schuller (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• 10 June- 08 July   

Field school resumed after a three‑year pandemic gap at a new excavation site in the Apollonia Pontica suburban area of Mesarite. The dig focuses on a road, necropolis, and suburban structures from the Classical and Hellenistic periods (5th–3rd c. BCE). This season and the next include comprehensive bioarchaeological training led by Dr. Kate Kolpan and held at the Archaeological Reserve Deultum–Debelt.   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Kate Kolpan, Asst. Prof. (University of Idaho)

• Session 1: 3 – 17 June   
• Session 2: 3 – 23 June      

Field school directors: Spase Perovski (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Tome Filov, professional conservator

• 27 May – 17 June   

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)   

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

• Session 1: 21 - 27 May   
• Session 2: 28 May - 3 June   
• Session 3: 4 - 10 June   
• Session 4: 21 May - 10 June   

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, resercher and conservator (NCSR Demokritos), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• Session 1: 25 July – 7 August   
• Session 2: 7 – 21 August   
• Session 3: 25 July – 21 August  

Field school resumed after a two‑year pandemic gap; excavations continued in the SE residential area and along the fortification wall.   

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Emil Nankov, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 9 - 23 July   
• Session 2: 23 July - 6 August   
• Session 3: 9 July - 6 August

Field school resumed after a two‑year pandemic gap; excavations continued in the Copper Age residential area in and south of Mikov's trench.   

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)   

Dig director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 26 June – 16 July   

The field school, in partnership with Goce Delcev University (GDU), Štip takes place at the Middle Paleolithic site Uzun Mera near the town of Štip. Archaeologists and students jointly investigate prehistoric deposit layers, presumably dating to the Neanderthal (Middle Paleolithic) period.

Field school directors: Dr. Darko Stojanoski, Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Darko Stojanoski (BHF) and Dr. Trajce Nacev, professor (GDU)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Sarah Lacy (California State University, Dominguez Hills, Los Angeles)

• 25 June – 23 July   

Field school resumed after a two‑year pandemic gap; excavations continued around the Theodosian Palace and the so‑called Prison at Stobi.   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Matthew Schuller (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)      

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• Session 1: 4 – 18 June   
• Session 2: 4 – 24 June      

Field school directors: Spase Perovski (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Tome Filov, professional conservator

• Session 1: 4 - 18 June   
• Session 2: 19 - 24 June   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• 22 May – 18 June   

This marks the thrilling year of underwater excavation for Nessebar's team of recently trained underwater archaeologists. During this project, they unearthed additional sections of Hellenistic and Early Byzantine walls   

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

• 21– 4 June

• Session 1: 15 - 21 May   
• Session 2: 22 - 28 May   
• Session 3: 29 May - 4 June   
• Session 4: 15 May - 4 June

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Assoc. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (NCSR Demokritos), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• Session 1: 24 August – 7 September   
• Session 2: 7 – 21 September   
• Session 3: 24 August – 21 September   

Final season. Over four seasons, 43 international participants helped excavate the site. The presumed remains of the Roman road station were identified as belonging to a Late Antique fortress, a medieval settlement and necropolis. Participants learned Roman history and gained practical experience in field archaeology and finds processing; annual tours included Plovdiv, Koprivshitsa and Hisar.

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Alexander Manev (BHF, NAIM-BAS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Kelly Reed, paleobotanist (Oxford Martin School)

• Session 1: 22 July - 5 August   
• Session 2: 5 - 19 August   
• Session 3: 22 July - 19 August   

Final season. Over six seasons 101 international participants excavated the Late Antique monastery compound at Djanavara (5th–7th c. CE), learning Early Byzantine history, monastic daily life, and modern Bulgarian culture, and gaining hands‑on experience in field archaeology and finds processing; annual tours included Madara and the Devnya mosaics.

Field school director: Dr. Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Vassil Tenekedjiev, Alexander Minchev (RMHV)

• Session 1: 22 July– 5 August   
• Session 2: 5 - 19 August
• Session 3: 22 July – 19 August 

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Richard Wenghofer, Assoc. Prof. (Nipissing University)

• 6 July - 3 August   

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)   

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 22 June – 6 July   

Across 10 seasons, 68 international participants and professionals documented, conserved, and restored nearly 150 Ancient Greek vessels from Apollonia Pontica; the artifacts are now housed in the Archaeological Museum – Sozopol.   

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)   

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• 22 June– 20 July   

Across the first ten seasons, 177 international participants attended the field school at Stobi. Together with professionals from NIS, they excavated sections of the Western Necropolis, the Northern Residential Area, and—above all—the area in and around the so‑called Theodosian Palace and the 'Prison.

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• Session 1: 22 June – 6 July   
• Session 2: 06 July – 20 July    
• Session 3:22 June- 22 July      

Across the first nine seasons, participants together with professionals from the Apollonia Pontica excavation team and the Balkan Heritage Foundation excavated sections of St. Kirik Island, Sozopol, where the shrine of Apollo stood in antiquity. They uncovered remains of the temple-area infrastructure, multiple ritual pits from antiquity, and a Late Antique church.   

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 1 – 15 June   
• Session 2: 1 – 21 June    

Field school directors: Spase Perovski (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructors: Dr. Krassy Frangova (RDA), Mishko Tutkovski, professional conservator

• Session 1: 1 – 15 June 
• Session 2: 1 – 21 June

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• Session 1: 22 May - 5 June 
• Session 2: 5 - 19 June   
• Session 3: 22 May - 19 June      

Field school director: Dragan Radović (Mnemosina), Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Lenka Bulatović (MGP)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Robyn Le Blanc (UNCG)

• 24 May- 20 June 

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS, BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS,BHF)

• Session 1: 19 – 25 May   
• Session 2: 26 May – 1 June   
• Session 3: 2 – 8 June   

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Asst. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Asst. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (NCSR Demokritos), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• 18 May – June 1   

This multi-themed project with a focus on documentation techniques applied at medieval church sites had interesting developments in the 2019 season. Research by the students on one of the sites has discovered fragments of late medieval murals. This new insight dates the church as older than previously thought.

Partners:BHF,NBU,

• Session 1: 25 August – 8 September   
• Session 2: 8 – 22 September   
• Session 3: 25 August – 22 September      

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Alexander Manev (BHF, NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 23 July - 6 August 
• Session 2: 6 - 20 August
• Session 3: 23 July - 20 August    

Field school director: Dr. Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Vassil Tenekedjiev, Alexander Minchev (RMHV)

• Session 1: 23 July– 6 August   
• Session 2: 6 - 20 August   
• Session 3: 23 July - 20 August

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 23 June– 21 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• Session 1: 23 June – 7 July   
• Session 2: 07 July – 21 July   
• Session 3: 23 June - 21 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 7 - 21 July   
• Session 2: 21 July – 4 August   
• Session 3: 7 July - 4 August

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 23 June – 7 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)   

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• Session 1: 26 May - 9 June   
• Session 2: 9 - 23 June   
• Session 3: 26 May - 23 June      

The field school started a partnership with researchers from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (USA).   

Field school director: Dragan Radović (Mnemosina), Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Lenka Bulatović (MGP)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Robyn Le Blanc (UNCG)

• 25 May- 21 June

The field school takes place in Nessebar and its aquatory, focusing on exploration of the submerged areas of the ancient city, in partnership with the Underwater Heritage Institute – Sozopol. It enables participants to gain hands‑on experience in underwater archaeology and to learn about ancient civilizations of the Western Black Sea littoral.   

Field school director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS, BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS, BHF)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Kotaro Yamafune, archaeologist, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology

• Session 1: 2 – 16 June   
• Session 2: 2 – 22 June      

Field school directors: Mishko Tutkovski (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructors: Dr. Krassy Frangova (RDA),Tome Filov, professional conservator

• Session 1: 2 – 16 June   
• Session 2: 2 – 22 June   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• 3 - 4 June

• Session 1: 20 – 26 May   
• Session 2: 27 May – 1 June   
• Session 3: 3 – 9 June      

The Technological Educational Institute of the Ionian Islands becomes part of the Ionian University, Greece, which is from now on the official host of the Workshops.

Field school director: Dr. Christos Karydis, Asst. Prof. (Ionian University)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Asst. Prof. (Ionian University), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (NCSR Demokritos), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, professional conservator (NLG)

• Session 1: 20 May – 3 June   
• Session 2: 3 June – 17 June   
• Session 3: 20 May – 17 June 

Final season. Over eight seasons 85 international participants excavated dwellings, a ditch, and buried skeletal remains of a toddler and a piglet at Ilindentsi (6th millennium BCE). They learned Prehistory and modern Bulgarian culture and gained hands‑on experience in field archaeology and finds processing; annual tours included Rila Monastery and Melnik.   

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig directors: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB), Petar Zidarov (NBU)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Maria Gyurova, archaeologist and flint tool expert (NAIM-BAS)

• 12– 26 May

This field school turned 10 years old with the expedition going to a new place such as the Bottom Nishava river region of Tran, along with a professional cultural heritage photographer Mario Vazza, the "hunters" had a fantastic learning experience in W. Bulgaria's wilderness.    

Partners: BHF,NBU,CSMO

• Session 1: 26 August – 9 September   
• Session 2: 9 – 23 September   
• Session 3: 26 August – 23 September      

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Alexander Manev (BHF, NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 24 July – 07 August   
• Session 2: 07 – 21 August   
• Session 3: 24 July – 21 August       

Field school directors: Dr. Philipp Stockhammer, Prof. (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), Dr. Bogdan Atanasov, Asst. Prof. (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Zhivko Uzunov, Asst. Prof. (NBU)

• Session 1: 24 July– 7 August   
• Session 2: 7 - 21 August   
• Session 3: 24 July – 21 August

Field school director: Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 24 July – 7 August
• Session 2: 7 – 21 August
• Session 3: 24 July – 21 August   

Field school resumed after six years.

Field school director: Dr. Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Vassil Tenekedjiev, Alexander Minchev (RMHV)

• Session 1: 24 June - 8 July   
• Session 2: 8 July – 22 July   
• Session 3: 24 June - 22 July

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 24 June– 22 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• Session 1: 24 June – 8 July   
• Session 2: 08 July – 22 July   
• Session 3: 24 June –22 July

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 2 - 22 July   

The field school runs alongside excavations of the Roman city of Doclea near Podgorica, Montenegro, in partnership with the Museums and Galleries of Podgorica, the Municipality of Podgorica and Mnemosina. The project provides participants with hands‑on training in Roman archaeology, excavation, documentation, and the study of the urban landscape of ancient Illyricum.

Field school director: Dragan Radović (Mnemosina), Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Lenka Bulatović (MGP)

• 24 - 25 June

• 24 June – 8 July

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• Session 1: 10 - 24 June   
• Session 2: 24 June – 8 July   
• Session 3: 10 June - 8 July         

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB), Petar Zidarov (NBU)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Maria Gyurova, archaeologist and flint tool expert (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 03 – 17 June   
• Session 2: 03 – 23 June      

The last Workshop for Conservation of Roman Wall‑Paintings was held this season. From next year onward only the Workshop for Conservation of Roman Mosaics will run.   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructors: Dr. Krassy Frangova (RDA), Mishko Tutkovski, professional conservator

• Session 1: 03 – 17 June   
• Session 2: 03 – 23 June 

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• 21 May– 3 June

The workshops are held in Zakynthos in partnership with the Technological Educational Institute of the Ionian Islands (TEIII), Greece. Participants work with authentic historic ecclesiastical artifacts and are guided through the stages of interventive and preventive conservation of metal, paper, and textiles.

Field school directors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Asst. Prof. (TEIII), Dr. Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructors: Dr. Christos Karydis, Asst. Prof. (TEIII), Dr. Adamantia Panagopoulou, researcher and conservator (TEIII, NCSR Demokritos), Dr. Nikolas Sarris, conservator (NLG)

• 13– 27 May

10th generation of Fresco Hunters was trained as they concluded their Photo Research Expedition to the Medieval Balkan Churches in Sofia region of W. Bulgaria

Partners: BHF,NBU

• 20 - 21 August

• Session 1: 26 June – 10 July  
• Session 2: 10 – 24 July   
• Session 3: 26 June - 24 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• Session 1: 26 July - 09 August   
• Session 2: 26 July - 23 August

The field school, in partnership with the New Bulgarian University, the Regional Museum of History – Blagoevgrad and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germany), takes place in Banya and at the Late Bronze Age fort in Bresto, both in Razlog Municipality. Archaeologists and students investigate the remains of the fort situated in the mountainous contact zone between the Aegean civilization and the Balkan mainland.   

Field school directors: Dr. Philipp Stockhammer, Prof. (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), Dr. Bogdan Atanasov, Asst. Prof. (NBU) Dr. Zhivko Uzunov, Asst. Prof. (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Bogdan Atanasov, Asst. Prof. (NBU)

• Session 1: 27 August – 10 September   
• Session 2: 27 August – 17 September   

The field school, in partnership with the Archaeological Museum 'Prof. Mieczyslaw Domaradzki' — Septemvri, takes place in Karabunar and at Bona Mansio. Archaeologists and students investigate the remains of what is believed to be a Roman road station and its surroundings.

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)   

Dig director: Alexander Manev (BHF, NAIM-BAS)

• 26 June – 10 July  

In this year and the following three years, the field school is held only in Sozopol on the Black Sea littoral.   

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator

• Session 1: 26 June – 10 July   
• Session 2: 10 July – 24 July   
• Session 3: 26 June – 24 July   

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session1: 26 June - 10 July   
• Session 2: 10 July – 24 July   
• Session 3: 26 June - 24 July 

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 26 July– 9 August   
• Session 2: 9 - 23 August   
• Session 3: 26 July - 23 August

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 12 - 26 June   
• Session 2: 26 June – 10 July   
• Session 3: 12 June – 10 July      

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Maria Gyurova, archaeologist and flint tool expert (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 4 – 18 June   
• Session 2: 4 – 25 June      

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Mishko Tutkovski, professional conservator

• Session 1: 4 – 18 June   
• Session 2: 4 – 25 June

Field school directors: Dr. Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Bilyana Yankulovska-Peeva, professional conservator (NIS)

• Session 1: 14 - 28 May   
• Session 2: 14 May – 4 June

Partners: BHF,NBU

• Session 1: 26 July– 9 August   
• Session 2: 9 - 23 August   
• Session 3: 26 July – 23 August

From this season onwards, the field school programme is supplemented by an RTI training workshop.   

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University)

• Session 1: 19 July – 2 August   
• Session 2: 3 - 17 August   
• Session 3: 19 July - 17 August

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 27 June – 11 July   
• Session 2: 11 – 25 July   
• Session 3: 27 June – 25 July   

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)

• 27 June - 25 July

Workshop on Advanced Digital Photographic Documentation of Artifacts and Architecture

The field school takes place in Stobi, North Macedonia, focusing on advanced digital photographic documentation techniques for archaeological artifacts and architecture, in partnership with (Queens University, Canada). The project provides participants with hands-on training in Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), photogrammetry, and other tools for digital preservation of archaeological heritage.

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Chief instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queens University, Canada)

• Session 1: 13 - 27 June   
• Session 2: 28 June – 12 July   
• Session 3: 13 June – 12 July         

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB)

• Session 1: 27 June – 11 July   
• Session 2: 11 July – 25 July   
• Session 3: 27 June – 25 July

Field school directors: Dr. Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (NAIM-BAS)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 27 - 28 June

• Session 1: 6 – 20 June   
• Session 2: 6 – 27 June    

The Workshop for Conservation of Roman Mosaics was merged with the Workshop for Conservation of Roman Mural Paintings, which took place at Stobi in 2011.   

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Mishko Tutkovski, professional conservator

• Session 1: 6 – 20 June   
• Session 2: 6 – 27 June

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Maya Nikolova, professional conservator

• Session 1: 16 - 30 May   
• Session 2: 16 May – 6 June

Partners: BHF,NBU,CSMO, QU, Canada

• 8 April   

A partnership with IFR began, enabling BHFS participants to receive U.S. credit hours from their academic partners upon request.

• 2 – 16 September

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator (National History Museum)

• Session 1: 2 - 16 August   
• Session 2: 17 - 31 August   
• Session 3: 2 - 23 August   
• Session 4: 2 - 31 August    

From this season onwards, the field school moved to Karabunar as its main base for accommodation and lectures.   

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 19 July – 2 August   
• Session 2: 3-17 August   
• Session 3: 19 July - 17 August

Field school director: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 29 June – 13 July   
• Session 2: 14 – 28 July   
• Session 3: 29 June 28 July   

From this season onwards, the field school focused on the area in and around the Theodosian Palace and the so‑called Prison at Stobi.

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)

• Session 1: 29 June – 13 July   
• Session 2: 14 – 28 July   
• Session 3: 29 June 28 July   

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova (AM Sozopol), Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 28 - 29 June

• Session 1: 14 - 28 June   
• Session 2: 29 June – 13 July   
• Session 3: 14 June - 13 July   

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB)

• Session 1: 07 – 21 June   
• Session 2: 07 – 28 June      

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Mishko Tutkovski, professional conservator

• 07 – 21 June 

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Nina Turlakova, professional conservator (RMHSZ)

• 31 May - 7 June  

Workshop on Advanced Digital Photographic Documentation of Artifacts and Architecture (RTI and Photogrammetry)

• 7 - 8 June      

Workshop: RTI and Advanced Digital Photographic Documentation of Artifacts

This year BHFS hosted its first two training courses in digital humanities in Sofia and Balha. They took place at the lapidaria of NAIM and the Doctors' Garden in Sofia, and at the post‑medieval St. Petka Church in Balha.

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Chief instructor: Alexander Gabov (CSMO, Queen's University, Canada)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. George Bevan (Queen's University, Canada)

• Session 1: 17– 31 May   
• Session 2: 17 May – 7 June 

The project took place for a 7^th time in W. Bulgaria, with participation of visiting professor Alexnader Gabov (QU, Canada) teaching Reflectance-Transformation Imaging. Students addednew data on history and art of St. Nikola church in Kalotina (14^th century) and St. Petka Church in Balsha, Bulgaria. Partners: BHF,NBU,CSMO, QU, Canada

• 4 – 18 September   

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova (BHF), Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Chief instructor: Dr. Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator (National History Museum)

• Session 1: 3 – 17 August   
• Session 2: 18 August – 1 September   
• Session 3: 3 August – 1 September   

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova (BHF), Dr. Nayden Prachov (UHI)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 3 – 17 August   
• Session 2: 18 August – 1 September   
• Session 3: 3 August – 1 September   

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)

• Session 1: 20 July – 03 August   
• Session 2: 20 July – 10 August

The field school, in partnership with the Regional Historical Museum – Pazardzhik and the Tell Yunatsite excavation team, takes place in Pazardzhik and at Tell Yunatsite. Archaeologists and students explore the Chalcolithic layers of the large prehistoric tell, which in the 5th millennium BCE served as the acropolis of one of the first European urban centers. 

Field school directors: Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS), Ivan Vasilev (BHF)

Dig directors: Dr. Yavor Boyadzhiev, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Kamen Boyadzhiev, Asst. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 2 – 16 July   
• Session 2: 16 - 30 July   
• Session 3: 2 July - 30 July

The field school, in partnership with the Archaeological Museum 'Prof. Mieczysław Domaradzki' — Septemvri and the Pistiros excavation team, takes place in Varvara and at Pistiros. Archaeologists and students investigate the remains of an Ancient Greek trading centre in the heart of Ancient Thrace and explore commercial and religious interactions between the two civilizations.

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Alexey Gotsev, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• 29 - 30 June   

This educational tour brought BHFS students to the ancient city of Philippi and the coastal city of Kavala, exploring significant archaeological sites, Roman heritage, early Christian history, and the cultural connections between Greece and the wider Mediterranean world.

• Session 1: 15 - 29 June   
• Session 2: –30 June – 14 July   
• Session 3: 15 June 14 July      

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Laure Salanova, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

• 15 – 29 June 

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Nina Turlakova, professional conservator (RMHSZ)

• 15 – 29 June      

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Juliano Vergoski, professional conservator

• Session 1: 11– 25 May   
• Session 2: 11 May– 1 June

The project took place for a 6^th time in W. Bulgaria, with participation of visiting professor Alexnader Gabov (QU, Canada) teaching Reflectance-Transformation Imaging. Students addednew data on history and art of St. Nikola church in Kalotina (14^th century) and St. Petka Church in Balsha, Bulgaria. Partners: BHF,NBU,CSMO, (QU, Canada

• 12 April   

The partnership with the Museum began with an archaeological field school affiliated with excavations of Tell Yunatsite.

• 10 January   

The partnership with the Museum began with an archaeological field school affiliated with excavations of the Ancient Greek Emporion Pistiros in Thrace.

• 3 – 16 September

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova, Nayden Prachov (BHF) 

Chief instructor: Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator (National History Museum)

• Session 1: 1 – 15 August   
• Session 2: 16 - 30 August   
• Session 3: 1 - 30 August   

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova, Nayden Prachov (BHF)

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 29 July – 12 August   
• Session 2: 13 - 27 August   
• Session 3: 29 July - 27 August

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)

• Session 1: 30 June – 14 July   
• Session 2: 15 - 29 July   
• Session 3: 30 June - 29 July   

Final season. Over five seasons 149 international participants helped excavate the city's drainage system, a Late Antique basilica, the Roman gymnasion, and the area before the Roman theatre. Participants learned Roman history and contemporary North Macedonian culture and gained practical experience in field archaeology, finds processing, and basic conservation; annual tours included Ohrid and Stobi.

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Anica Gjorgievska (NIMB)

• Session 1: 17 June - 1 July   
• Session 2: 2 - 16 July   
• Session 3: 17 June - 16 July      

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Laure Salanova, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

• 16 – 29 June   

The workshop takes place in Stobi in partnership with National Institute Stobi. Attending participants are guided through the stages of conservation, as well as the history and technology of Roman mosaics. The field school provides hands‑on experience with authentic Roman mosaics in situ at Stobi.

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Juliano Vergoski, professional conservator

• 16 – 29 June 

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Nina Turlakova, professional conservator (RMHSZ)

• Session 1: 12– 26 May   
• Session 2: 12 May - 2 June

The multi-themed field school took place for a 5^th time in W. Bulgaria, with participation of visiting professor Alexnader Gabov (QU, Canada) teaching RTI&MSI. Students created newgraphic and photographic records on history and art of St. Nikola church in Kalotina (14^th century) & St.Georgi Church in Tcheparlintsi, Bulgaria. Partners: BHF,NBU,CSMO, QU, Canada

• 5 - 18 September

In this year and the following three years, the field school is held only in Emona on the Black Sea littoral. 

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova, Nayden Prachov (BHF)

Chief instructor: Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator (National History Museum)

• Session 1: 3 - 17 August   
• Session 2: 18 August – 1 September   
• Session 3: 3 August - 1 September

The field school, in partnership with the Archaeological Museum – Sozopol and the Apollonia Pontica excavation team, takes place in Sozopol. Archaeologists and students explore the Apollo temple area on St. Kirik Island together. The temple was the sacred center of the ancient Greek colony Apollonia and was famed in antiquity for its colossal bronze statue of Apollo. 

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova, Nayden Prachov (BHF)   

Dig director: Dr. Krastina Panayotova, Assoc. Prof. (NAIM-BAS)

• Session 1: 3 - 17 August   
• Session 2: 18 August - 1 September   
• Session 3: 4 - 18 September    
• Session 4: 3 August - 1 September 
• Session 5: 18 August - 18 September   
• Session 6: 3 August - 18 September

The field school focused in this and the following two seasons on the Northern Residential Area of Stobi, dating to the second half of the 6th century CE.   

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)

• Session 1: 2 - 16 July   
• Session 2: 17 - 31 July   
• Session 3: 2 - 31 July   

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Anica Gjorgievska (NIMB)

• Session 1: 2 - 16 July   
• Session 2: 17 - 31 July  
• Session 3: 2 - 31 July

After this season, due to limitations of the surrounding forest, the excavations and the field school had to be put on hold.   

Field school director: Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

Dig director: Alexander Minchev (RMHV)

• 12 - 25 June

The field school, in partnership with the  Regional Museum of History – Blagoevgrad (RMHB), takes place at the excavations of the Early Neolithic settlement at Ilindentsi (Bulgaria). The site preserves evidence of Early Neolithic farmers who migrated from Southwest Asia to Europe in the 7th–6th millennia BCE.   

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Petar Zidarov (NBU)

Dig director: Dr. Malgorzata Grebska-Kulova (RMHB)

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Laure Salanova, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

• 12 - 25 June   

The workshop takes place in Stobi in partnership with National Institute Stobi. Attending participants are guided through the stages of conservation, as well as the history and technology of Late Roman mural paintings. The field school provided hands‑on experience with authentic fragments from the Episcopal Basilica of Stobi.

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Juliano Vergoski, professional conservator

• 12 - 25 June

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Chief instructor: Nina Turlakova, professional conservator (RMHSZ)

• Session 1: 14 - 28 May   
• Session 2: 4 -18 September

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

• 6 - 19 September   

The workshop is a continuation of the 2009 Workshop for Conservation of Ancient Greek and Roman Pottery, in partnership with the Archaeological Museum – Sozopol and the Apollonia Pontica excavation team. It takes place in Emona and Sozopol on the Black Sea littoral. Attending participants are guided through the stages of conservation of Ancient Greek pottery from Apollonia Pontica.

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova, Nayden Prachov (BHF)  

Chief instructor: Daniela Cherneva, professional conservator (National History Museum)

• Session 1: 7 - 21 August   
• Session 2: 7 August - 5 September   
• Session 3: 22 August - 5 September   

The field school, in partnership with National Institute Stobi (NIS), takes place at the excavations of the capital city of the Roman province Macedonia Secunda. The first season focused on Roman graves (1st century BCE–3rd century CE) with cremated and skeletal remains at the Western Necropolis and on the Temple of Isis (2nd century CE).   

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS)

• Session 1: 3 - 17 July   
• Session 2: 3 July - 1 August   
• Session 3: 18 July - 1 August   

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)

Dig director: Anica Gjorgievska (NIMB)

• 17 - 19 July   

This educational tour brings BHFS students to Istanbul — the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman empires and one of Europe's largest metropolises — where they explore its rich history, culture, and attractions.

• Session 1: 3 - 17 July   
• Session 2: 3 July - 1 August   
• Session 3: 18 July - 1 August   

Field school director: Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

Dig director: Alexander Minchev (RMHV)

• 23 June   

A partnership with the Museum began with an archaeological field school affiliated with the excavations of the Early Neolithic Settlement at Ilindentsi, scheduled to take place for the first time in 2011.

• 13 - 25 June 

The workshop is a continuation of the 2009 Workshop for Conservation of Ancient Greek and Roman Pottery (Bulgaria). It is hosted by the National Institute Stobi (NIS) at the Stobi Archaeological Park. Attending participants are guided through the stages of conservation of Roman pottery from Stobi's collection.

Field school directors: Silvana Blazhevska (NIS), Angela Pencheva (BHF) 

Chief instructor: Nina Turlakova, professional conservator (RMHSZ)

• 8 - 22 May   

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev, Nayden Prachov   

Special visiting instructor: Dr. Gene Berryhill (University of Maryland, USA)

A partnership with New Bulgarian University began, incorporating BHFS into its curriculum and enabling BHFS participants to receive ECTS credits upon request.

• 24 March   

The partnership with National Institute Stobi began with an archaeological field school affiliated with excavations of the Roman provincial capital Stobi and with archaeological conservation workshops.

• 7 - 19 September 

The workshop takes place in Stara Zagora and Sozopol in partnership with the Regional Museum of History - Stara Zagora and the Archaeological Museum – Sozopol. Attending participants are guided through the stages of conservation of Ancient Greek and Roman pottery from both museums' collections.

Field school directors: Teodora Bogdanova, Nayden Prachov (BHF)   

Chief instructor: Nina Turlakova, professional conservator (RMHSZ)

• 7 September   

A partnership with the Museum began with an Ancient Greek pottery conservation workshop and continued over the years with an archaeological field school affiliated with the excavations of the ancient Apollonia Pontica and its surroundings.

• 2 - 4 August   

Second and final season of this excursion.

• Session 1: 19 July - 2 August   
• Session 2: 2 - 16 August   
• Session 3: 19 July - 16 August

Final season. Over two seasons, 32 international participants helped excavate a Roman aqueduct; the outer ward by the SW city gate; and a medieval church and Roman cemeterial kilnspace beneath modern Stara Zagora. Participants learned Roman history and contemporary Bulgarian culture and gained practical experience in field archaeology and finds processing; annual tours included Plovdiv and the Kazanlak Thracian tombs.

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)   

Dig director: Dimitar Yankov (RMHSZ)

• Session 1: 4 -18 July   
• Session 2: 19 July - 2 August   
• Session 3: 4 July - 2 August    

The field school, in partnership with the Regional Museum of History – Varna (RMHV), takes place at the excavations of the monumental Early Byzantine church on Djanavara Hill in Varna (Bulgaria). It represents a restart of archaeological research of the monument and its surrounding monastic complex after a century.   

Field school director: Vassil Tenekedjiev (RMHV, BHF)

Dig director: Alexander Minchev (RMHV)

• Session 1: 4 - 18 July   
• Session 2: 19 July - 2 August   
• Session 3: 4 July - 2 August   

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)   

Dig director: Anica Gjorgievska (NIMB)

• 7 - 20 June   

The workcamp in partnership with the Municipality of Svilengrad supported maintenance of two cultural heritage sites in Mezek—the Thracian tomb and the fortress. 7 volunteers cleaned the visitor areas and painted wooden elements of the tourist infrastructure (benches, staircases, etc.).    

Workcamp leaders: Ivan Vasilev, Nayden Prachov (BHF)

• 9 - 23 May   

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev, Nayden Prachov (BHF)

• 25 August   

A partnership with the Museum began with an archaeological field school affiliated with the excavations of the Early Christian monastery in Djanavara near Varna, scheduled to take place for the first time in 2009.

• 2 - 16 August   

The workcamp involved 7 volunteers who assisted excavations of the ancient town of Heraclea Lyncestis and supported the local museum team with site maintenance and artifact processing. It was organized in partnership with the Balkan Youth Club (BYC), Bulgaria, the National Institute and Museum – Bitola (NIMB), and Youth Cultural Center – Bitola (YCCB), North Macedonia.   

Workcamp leaders: Angela Pencheva (BHF), Ivona Krstevska (YCCB)

• 30 July - 1 August

This educational tour brought BHFS students to remarkable Thracian sites in the Eastern Rhodopi Mountains: the sanctuary of Dionysus at Perperkion, the sanctuary of Orpheus at Tatul, the Roman villa Armira, and Katarzyna Winery.

• 16 - 30 July   

Another follow‑up to Balkan Youth Club’s initiative begun in 2007 in Stara Zagora, 10 workcamp volunteers assisted rescue excavations of an Early Iron Age site, aided finds processing, digitized archive cards and photographic films, edited archaeological texts, and helped clean the Roman forum and Europe’s oldest copper mines, in partnership with Balkan Youth Club, South East European Youth Network and the Regional Museum of History - Stara Zagora (RMHSZ).     

Workcamp leaders: Ivan Vasilev (BHF), Georgi Iliev (RMHSZ)

• 16 - 30 July   

The field school takes place for the first time at the excavations of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis in Bitola, North Macedonia, in partnership with Balkan Youth Club (BYC), Bulgaria, the National Institute and Museum – Bitola (NIMB), and Youth Cultural Center – Bitola (YCCB), North Macedonia.

Field school director: Angela Pencheva (BHF)   

Dig director: Anica Gjorgievska (NIMB)

• 16 July     

A partnership with the Museum began with one archaeological field school affiliated with the excavations at Heraclea Lyncestis in Bitola, and a heritage workcamp to support the maintenance of local cultural heritage. 

• Session 1: 30 June - 14 July   
• Session 2: 16 - 30 July   
• Session 3: 2 - 16 August   

The field school is a follow-up to Balkan Youth Club’s initiative begun in 2007. It runs alongside rescue excavations at the Roman city Augusta Traiana, beneath the modern city of Stara Zagora, in partnership with Balkan Youth Club and the Regional Museum of History - Stara Zagora (RMHSZ).   

Field school director: Ivan Vasilev (BHF)   

Dig director: Maria Kamisheva (RMHSZ)

• 30 June   

A partnership with the Museum began with one archaeological field school affiliated with the excavations at the archaeological reserve Augusta Traiana–Beroia–Borui beneath modern Stara Zagora, and a heritage workcamp to support the maintenance of local cultural heritage.

• 11 - 24 May   

This multi‑themed project, focused on documentation techniques for medieval and post‑medieval churches and chapels at risk, takes place for the first time in and around Sofia in partnership with Dragoman Municipality, Balkan Youth Club, and with the blessing of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.   

Field school directors: Ivan Vasilev, Nayden Prachov (BHF)

• 17 May   

The Balkan Heritage Foundation is founded in the spring by three Bulgarian archaeologists: Ivan Vasilev, Nayden Prahov and Angela Pencheva. It is registered as a non governmental organization in public benefit at the Stara Zagora Regional Court on 17 May, 2008.  

Official start of the Balkan Heritage Field School (BHFS) as a program of the Balkan Heritage Foundation, building on earlier initiatives of the Balkan Youth Club (BYC): Mezdra Archaeological Field School and Workcamp (2003-2004) and Stara Zagora Heritage Workcamp (2007).