Scene from a previous Archaeology Fair. Courtesy/DCA
Department of Cultural Affairs News:
SANTA FE – The Annual New Mexico Archaeology Fair is returning in October and will be bigger than ever, thanks to a collaboration between the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD), the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC), and the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS).
“The Archaeology Fair is always a great opportunity to learn about and explore archaeology with experts from around the state,” said Interim State Historic Preservation Officer & State Archaeologist Michelle Ensey. “This year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with OAS and MIAC and help the Archaeology Fair grow!”
An annual tradition since 1992, the Archaeology Fair offers visitors the chance to explore pottery and ancient tools while learning from archaeological experts from around the state. This year, the Fair will be held at the Center for New Mexico Archaeology (7 Old Cochiti Rd.) in Santa Fe and co-hosted by OAS and MIAC, providing a platform for even more organizations and archaeological experts to participate.
“As one of the central hubs for archaeological research, curation, and education in the state, the Center for New Mexico Archaeology is an ideal spot for the fair,” said OAS Director John Taylor-Montoya. “We’re proud to partner with NMHPD and all the participating organizations on a tremendous event.”
The 2024 Archaeology Fair runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 with tours, talks, and a wide range of archaeological activities for all ages. Visitors will have a chance to learn about and try out tools like bow and arrows and atlatls – a spear-throwing weapon used since prehistoric times. There will be opportunities to throw pinch pots or coil pots, paint replica pot sherds with yucca paint and yucca brushes, use a pump drill to make a shell necklace, play games enjoyed in ancient Indigenous communities, and much more. Demonstrations of emerging technologies like drones, 3-D printing, and photogrammetry models will highlight the future of archaeology research.
A variety of local, state, and private entities will be on-hand for the Archaeology Fair, including New Mexico State Parks, Ghost Ranch, Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project, New Mexico State Land Office, Los Luceros Historic Site, Santa Fe Archaeological Society, Aspen Cultural Resources Management, Environmental Consulting and Technology, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, NM Department of Game and Fish, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and SWCA Environmental Consultants. That makes the Archaeology Fair a perfect opportunity to connect with archaeology experts and passionate amateurs to learn more about the work being done throughout New Mexico.
Guided and self-guided tours will also be available throughout the event. Visitors will be able to explore the Center for New Mexico Archaeology, which houses nearly 10 million artifacts from all time periods and cultures. Full-hour tours of MIAC’s archaeological repository will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours of the OAS research facilities will also be available during the event.
A full list of activities is available at nmhistoricpreservation.org. For more information about the event, email nm.shpo@state.nm.org or call 505.827.6320. This event is free for all ages.
About the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division:
NMHPD manages, oversees, and coordinates all historic preservation activities across the state. The division educates the public on historic preservation and protects thousands of historic and archaeological sites in New Mexico. If you have ever visited an archaeological site, stopped on the side of the road to read a historic marker, or appreciated a well-maintained historic building in your community, you have likely engaged with the work of the NMHPD.
About the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies:
The office of Archaeological Studies conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 6 archaeologists and support staff. Their mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state. The office serves state agencies and private organizations that need archaeological studies performed as part of their development projects.
About the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture:
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.