Friends of Archaeology

The Society for American Archaeology has awarded the Museum of New Mexico's Office of Archaeological Studies its prestigious Excellence in Public Education Award for 2005. Established in 1997, the award is presented to institutions, individuals, and members of the press who improve public understanding and appreciation of anthropology and archaeology.

The Friends of Archaeology is a support committee for the Museum of New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies. This agency maintains laboratories and services that support archaeological research, specializing in the analysis of pottery, plant remains and animal bone. Its archaeomagnetic dating facility serves a worldwide clientele. Foundation members may join our Friends group at no cost. Some of our programs are described below:

  • GALISTEO BASIN INITIATIVE
    The Office of Archaeological Studies carries out collaborative works at Galisteo Pueblo, mapping, recording, and constructing erosion control structures, and participating in the Rock Art Field School. For more information or to participate, e-mail Eric Blinman.
  • EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
    Archaeology provides a unique perspective into New Mexico's past. The staff at the Office of Archaeological Studies strives to promote excitement, appreciation, and sensitivity for New Mexico's varied cultural heritage through lectures, demonstrations, and other outreach activities offered to school and community groups across the state.

How do I join Friends of Archaeology?

Already a Museum member? Click here to be added to the Friends of Archaeology mailing list. Not a Museum Foundation member yet? Click here to join on-line.

Upcoming Events

JULY 2009

18
Saturday

Field Trip to Otowi
8 am - 4 pm
Many of us traveling up the “main hill” to Los Alamos have driven past the large ancestral Tewa village of Otowi or Potsuwi’i (gap where the water sinks). The site has been closed to public visitation for many years, but the Pueblo of San Ildefonso has generously offered to accompany FOA trip participants on a visit its ancestral village. Enjoy a box lunch prepared by San Ildefonso, informative conversation and a sociable atmosphere as we explore one of the largest ancestral Tewa villages on the Pajarito Plateau. We will hike 4-5 miles over uneven ground and we rate the hiking moderately strenuous.
Contact Info:
We currently have a wait list. You may add your name to the list for he Otowi trip by calling the FOA Reservation Hotline, 505-505-992-2715, ext. 8. A volunteer will return your call, answer questions and provide payment information. Cost is $75.00 for MNMF members and $90.00 for nonmembers

Jul 31 - Aug 2
Friday-Sunday

Four Corners Region of Colorado Plateau
12:30 pm - 12:30 pm
This trip has been cancelled!
AUGUST 2009

Jul 31 - Aug 2
Friday-Sunday

Four Corners Region of Colorado Plateau
12:30 pm - 12:30 pm
This trip has been cancelled!
SEPTEMBER 2009

25 - 27
Friday-Sunday

Friends of Archaeology: Chaco Canyon Field Trip
5 pm
OAS & FOA are sponsoring a field trip to Chaco Culture National Historical Park led by Wolky Toll, who was a member of the National Park Service’s defining Chaco Project in the 1970s and ‘80s’. The trip starts Friday afternoon, at the group camping site in Chaco Canyon. Saturday we’ll hike up the mesa to Pueblo Alto, where we’ll spend the morning learning about trade, trade routes and the peoples who were involved. After lunch, we go on to explore the great houses and the great kiva, Casa Rinconada. Sunday we’ll do a 7 mile roundtrip hike to largely unexcavated Peñasco Blanco and walk past the supernova pictograph, petroglyph panels and agricultural features.
Contact Info:
The cost of $310 per person includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, a picnic lunch on Saturday and Sunday, dinner Saturday night, archaeological guide fees and expenses, group insurance, the group camping fee and a $125 tax deductible contribution to the FOA research and education program. Eric Blinman, Archaeology Director, has graciously volunteered to provide his gourmet camp cooking expertise for a dinner and a breakfast. Camping is the suggested mode of accomodation, although there are hotels 1.5 hours distant in Bloomfield and Aztec. Camping gear may be rented from REI (982-3557), but reserve a month ahead. Bring a rain poncho, jacket or sweater, hiking boots, wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, and canteen for water. Reservations can be made on or after August 1 by calling the FOA hotline at (505) 992-2715, ext. 8.

NOVEMBER 2009

7
Saturday

Beneath the City Different - the Archaeology of Santa Fe
1 pm - 5 pm
A joint symposium between the School of Advanced Research and the Office of Archaeological Studies and Friends of Archaeology, held at the New Mexico History Museum.
Contact Info:
Cost is $10. To purchase advance tickets, please call 954-7200 or mail payment to: Beneath the City Different School for Advanced Research P.O. Box 2188 Santa Fe, NM 87504

15
Sunday

Friends of Archaeology - Annual Holiday Party and Auction
3 pm - 6 pm
The Friends of Archaeology invite you to their 2009 Celebration of Archaeology at Hotel Santa Fe. Watch this site for more information.