Preservation Archaeology Museum Curation and Survey Field School

A collaborative field school with Archaeology Southwest, Western New Mexico University, and the University of Arizona

June 19–July 30

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About the Field School

Our curriculum highlights the goals, ethics, and practice of Preservation Archaeology, which integrates research, education, preservation, and engagement with Indigenous and local communities. We share what we learn throughout the project with the public via local events, blog posts, and other venues. Together, students and staff explore ethically responsible and scientifically rigorous field and research methods while investigating compelling questions about people’s lives in the past.

Students will research and catalog collections from the NAN Ranch, a large Classic Mimbres period pueblo in the Mimbres Valley excavated by the Texas A&M University summer archaeological field school from 1978 to 1989 and now housed at the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Museum. Archaeological survey experience on the NAN Ranch provides essential field training and contextualizes museum collections research, and experimental archaeology gives us additional insights into how the items in museum collections were made.

The field school begins in Tucson, Arizona, where students take part in a three-day orientation to the principles of Preservation Archaeology at Archaeology Southwest and the University of Arizona. The remainder of the program takes place at WNMU in Silver City, New Mexico.

This project is committed to increasing the diversity of views represented in archaeology, including improving communication between archaeologists and nonprofessionals and between researchers with different backgrounds and training. Students from backgrounds and institutions traditionally underrepresented in archaeology (including small colleges and community colleges) are especially encouraged to apply.

Project Location and Amenities

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Course Goals and Activities

We will teach you the fundamentals of Preservation Archaeology, museum curation, archaeological survey, and experimental archaeology, as well as research design and implementation.

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Application and Registration

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Faculty

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Student Testimonials

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Reports and Project Summaries

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