The 2023 TAS Archeology 101 Academy provides background information on the archeology of the state of Texas and how to identify archeological sites, both pre-European and historic in nature. Instructions are provided for accurate site recording that allows archeologists to assess the importance and significance of a site or sites, and contribute to the synthesis of the state’s cultural heritage. Starting Friday evening March 24, 2023 and then all day on Saturday March 25, 2023 classroom sessions for this academy will be held at the Legacy Plaza Pavilion, in downtown Goldthwaite, Texas. With the hands-on field component held Sunday March 26, 2023just outside Goldthwaite at the Clovis Field site on the Barnett Ranch.

Dr. Jon Lohse will be the lead instructor, assisted by co-instructors, Chris Meis and Jimmy Barrera. The instructor team includes experienced archeologists who specialize in Texas archeology among other regions. The North Texas Archeological Society (NTAS) and the Legacy Center will be hosting this academy as the Local Arrangements Committee. And NTAS will be providing field support and crew chiefs for the day at the Clovis Field site. For the Clovis Field site portion of the class, participants are advised that they should be able to work on their hands and knees and be comfortable lifting approximately 25 pounds.

The course’s primary goals are to provide each participant with the tools necessary to identify, properly record, and assess an archeological site. The first step in managing archeological resources on private lands is to know the site is there, and researching that sites history. One site, however, never tells the whole story. It is the cumulative knowledge of the location of archeological sites in time and space that then allow archeologists to piece together the larger puzzle, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the past 15,000 + years. Knowing the locations of more sites across a broad area means we are better able to manage our archeological resources for future research.

Course instructions will include basic knowledge on the following topics: 1) to identify archeological sites in various regions across the state; 2) how to properly investigate/document a site; 3) how to complete a standard TexSite survey form; 4) how to perform a test excavation, if necessary; 5) how to establish horizontal and vertical controls; 6) what and how much to sample; 7) how to record provenience of artifacts recovered; 8) how to properly wash, catalogue, and inventory specimens; 9) how to sort and classify a collection; 10) how to organize the data and write a descriptive report. Each of these topics will be covered in specific sections of this Academy. Finally, on Sunday (March 26, 2023) participants will have the opportunity to conduct excavations and other field investigations on the Barnett Ranch where some exciting discoveries are being made.

A good reference to field methods in archeology is Field Methods in Archaeology (7th edition), 1997, by Hester, Shafer, and Feder.

The registration fee ($100) plus TAS membership is for the March 24-26, 2023 instruction and it includes a digital manual. Lunch will be provided for both Saturday and Sunday, while snacks and refreshments (including coffee) will be available each day. A certificate of participation will be awarded to attendees. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit is available for teachers as approved by the Texas State Board of Education Certification (SBEC). No previous archeological experience is needed to enjoy these sessions.

Scholarship opportunities https://txarch.org/get-involved/scholarships