NMHPD News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division has announced that Cortney Wands has been named New Mexico State Archaeologist, tasked with overseeing the state’s deep archaeological history and prehistory. 

“Cortney is a thorough and diligent archaeologist with nearly 25 years of archaeology experience in New Mexico and across the country,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Michelle Ensey. “We’re thrilled to see her settle into her new role as our State Archaeologist.” 

As State Archeologist, Wands reviews and concurs with archaeological permits issued in the state of New Mexico, and serves as the point of contact for any unmarked human remains encountered on state and private lands in New Mexico. The State Archaeologist also organizes the annual Archaeology Fair, a free, family-friendly celebration of all things archaeology. 

Wands brings nine years of experience with the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD) to her new role. She began at the Archaeological Records Management Section, working to house, maintain, and protect all records of archaeological investigation in the State of New Mexico.  

Since 2023, she has worked as an Archaeological Reviewer, reviewing the effects of modern development projects on New Mexico’s archaeological, historic and traditional resources to balance the preservation of New Mexico’s archaeological, historic, and traditional resources with the needs of modern growth and development. In addition to her work as State Archaeologist, she will continue working on compliance projects with federal and state agencies.

Prior to joining NMHPD, Wands worked in contract archaeology in both the Mountain West and the Northeast for more than 15 years. She received her Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from Colorado State University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the City University of New York-Lehman College. Her first day in her new role was Aug. 18.

For more about the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division’s work across the state, visit nmhistoricpreservation.org.

About the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division

NMHPD manages, oversees, and coordinates historic preservation activities across the state. The division educates the public about 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.