The mission of the Arkansas Archeological Survey, a unit of the University of Arkansas system, is to discover, protect, and study archeological sites, to learn about the people who lived in Arkansas before us, and to share that knowledge with all Arkansans.
The Arkansas Archeological Society and the Arkansas Archeological Survey work in close cooperation on many projects and activities. Members of the Society receive training in archeological methods from Survey archeologists and serve as valuable volunteers to assist the Survey on archeological research projects, both in the field and the laboratory. The Society works with the Survey on preservation activities and public outreach programs, and cosponsors the annual Training Program in Archeology.
Below is a brief description of various sections of the Survey.
Research Stations
The Survey supports ten regional offices, or Research Stations, across the state. Seven are located on campuses of public university partners, two at archeological state parks, and one in a community to help develop an Archeological Heritage facility for the Mississippi River Valley. Each Research Station has a full-time archaeologist who conducts research and assists other state agencies and the general public. The Research Stations also support the local Society Chapters, assisting with the monthly programs. Society members offer assistance to the Stations by volunteering at lab nights, and supporting preservation and research efforts. Society members also serve on advisory boards to the Stations.
State Archeologist
The duties of the State Archeologist involve all aspects of public archeology from site reporting, to liaison with public agencies, to public education. The State Archeologist’s section on the Survey’s web site provides useful information on state and federal laws affecting archeological sites, how to go about reporting a site, and what it means to nominate a site to the National Register.
Education Program
Through the Survey’s Education Program, a variety of materials are made available to teachers, students, and the public at large. A Teacher’s Packet of informational materials, as well as popular publications are available through the Survey office. Society members who provide programs to schools are welcome to use the educational handouts, some of which can be downloaded directly off the Survey’s web site. Society members also participate in the annual outreach event, Archeology Month, in which slide talks, exhibits, hands-on activities, demonstrations and other programs are held throughout the state.
Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office maintains copies of all state archeological records, which includes sites, photographs, and maps. The Registrar’s Office also maintains archival records and the Survey’s research library. Forms for submitting information on archeological sites, and information on how to fill out such forms, can be found in the section on the Registrar’s Office on the Survey web site.
For more information about what the Arkansas Archeological Survey does and about its various research and administrative units, visit the Survey’s web site.