Archaeological Research Collections
The Archaeological Research Collection will be closed Oct. 1, 2009 - Oct. 1, 2010
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The Research Collections constitute the museum’s largest collection, and are an important part of New Mexico’s cultural heritage. Representing the largest assemblage of archaeological materials in New Mexico, the Repository contains about 5 - 10 million artifacts and samples stored in 39,000 containers occupying 15,000 cubic ft., along with more than 250 linear ft. of accompanying notes, maps, and photos. Although some materials were collected from archaeological sites by Edgar Hewett during the early 1900s, or from WPA projects during the Depression Era, most of the collection was assembled through Cultural Resource Management (CRM) investigations conducted since 1956, and includes both prehistoric Native American materials and historic artifacts recovered from Spanish Colonial settlements through early 20th century Anglo ranches. The majority of the artifacts and samples are stored in boxes in a warehouse manner and are often referred to as “bulk collections."
The Museum acts as the Repository for the State of New Mexico, curating archaeological materials from State lands, and accepts donations of artifacts from private land in New Mexico, as well. In addition, ARC cares for archaeological materials from some Federal as well as tribal lands within New Mexico, which are held by the Museum as long-term loans. Curation agreements may be obtained from the Curator of Archaeological Research Collections, Julia Clifton, 476-1268, email at julia.clifton@state.nm.us. The Procedures Manual for Submission of Archaeological Artifact and Record Collections details the standards that must be met when submitting archaeological collections to the Museum for curation. The Manual includes the current curation fee schedule.
Collection access is available to researchers by appointment, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. To arrange a visit, please contact the Archaeological Research Collections Manager, Tony Thibodeau, 476-1265, email at anthony.thibodeau@state.nm.us.
Comparative collections of ceramics, lithics, mineral specimens, and petrographic slides are maintained in the H.P. Mera Room. To make an appointment to examine the Mera Room study collections, contact Dody Fugate, Assistant Curator, 476-1267, email at dody.fugate@state.nm.us.
Loans of materials for research can be made to qualified institutions and Requests for Scientific Testing of archaeological specimens are considered by the Museum’s Collections Committee at twice-monthly meetings. Requests to photograph objects in collections for research use only are considered on a case-by-case basis.