Center for New Mexico Archaeology to Open ’Women in Archaeology’ Exhibit on International Archaeology Day

August 8th, 2019

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) – In celebration of International Archaeology Day, Saturday, October 19, the Center for New Mexico Archaeology (CNMA) will open its doors to the public, providing an opportunity to learn about New Mexico’s fascinating 12,000-year cultural heritage and the science of archaeology through hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Visitors will be allowed to tour the Center for New Mexico Archaeology, the storage facility for New Mexico’s archaeological collections, as well as working research laboratories for the Office of Archaeological Studies. Meet the archaeologists behind the excavations at the Palace of the Governors, the Railyard, Santa Fe County Courthouse, and many other locations throughout the state.

There will also be an opportunity to throw spears with atlatls, shoot bows and arrows, make yucca fiber string, watch pottery firings, learn about coiled basketry, and talk with archaeologists.

The event also marks the opening of Museum of Indian Arts and Culture’s new exhibit: “Women in Archaeology.” This exhibit highlights the work of 11 pioneer women in archaeology who worked in the American Southwest as well as touches on some major early and modern contributors to archaeology throughout the world.        

“The staff of Center for New Mexico Archaeology love to open their doors to the public every International Archaeology Day. Every year we offer numerous hands on activities for all ages that allow visitors to learn how certain artifacts were made to how archaeologists document their discoveries,” said Eric Blinman, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Archaeological Studies.

“The women highlighted in this exhibition made numerous contributions to their field and helped educate many students who went on to pursue careers in archaeology. Through their work, they have turned archaeology into the field it is, leaving a lasting legacy for the future of the discipline,” said exhibit co-curator Emily Hurley. “Early on in our field women were discouraged from pursing advanced degrees and conducting field work. By highlighting the work of 11 pioneer women in archaeology who worked here in the American Southwest, our hope to help inspire future generations of women to pursue a career in archaeology.

The “Women in Archaeology” exhibit opens on Archaeology Day: October 19, 2019 and will close October 9, 2020.

Center for New Mexico Archaeology, 7 Old Cochiti Road, Located off of the Caja Del Rio exit of the 599.

About the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies:   http://www.nmarchaeology.org/

The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Education and research programs are supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, through the generous contributions of donors.

The Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 15 archaeologists and support staff. OAS’s mission is to identify, interpret and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state. The office provides cost-reimbursable services to state agencies and private clients that need archaeological studies performed as part of their development projects. OAS provides ethnographic and historic research services, with an education outreach program that interacts with New Mexicans to answer questions about archaeology, history and the heritage of New Mexico. OAS has twice received the Society for American Archaeology’s Excellence in Public Education Award (2005 & 2012). In addition to client-initiated projects, OAS conducts research projects funded by grants and private donations. Many projects use a dedicated corps of volunteers. The office provides training for university students and makes use of their skills in the latest technology. OAS collaborates with Mexico’s national archaeological program and holds educational outreach programs in surrounding states. 

OAS has specialized analytic laboratories, a small library and publication department, with nationally recognized experts in pottery, botany, and osteology. OAS’s has one of three low energy plasma radiocarbon sampling laboratories in the world, and the archaeomagnetic dating laboratory is one of three full-time labs in the United States dedicated to this dating technique.

7 Old Cochiti Road (off 599) Santa Fe, NM 87507 (505) 476-4404. Fax: (505) 476-4448.