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Who we are
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 13 archaeologists and support staff. Our mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state. OAS serves other State agencies and private organizations that require archaeological studies as part of their development projects. In addition, we provide ethnographic and historical research services and have an education outreach program that directly interacts with New Mexicans in order to answer their questions about archaeology, history, and the heritage of New Mexico. That program twice received the Society for American Archaeology’s Excellence in Public Education Award, in 2005 and again in 2012.
In addition to client-initiated projects, OAS conducts research projects that are funded by grants and private donations. Many of the projects make use of a dedicated corps of volunteers or involve our many research associates. OAS provides training opportunities for university students and makes use of their skills in the latest technology. We also engage in educational outreach programs in surrounding states.
OAS has five specialized laboratories, a research library, and a publications department. Our archaeomagnetic dating laboratory is one of two full-time laboratories in the United States that are dedicated to this dating technique and our low-energy plasma radiocarbon sampling laboratory enables us to nearly non-destructive date fragile archaeological materials.
The Office of Archaeological Studies at a Glance
Departmental Overview
The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies has been providing cultural resource management services throughout New Mexico since 1952. OAS continues to fulfill the Museum of New Mexico’s commitment to the highway archaeology program and has expanded to include a diverse client base. Our list of clients spans the breadth of private and public customers, yet much of the work that we have completed is for return clients.
Since 1952 OAS archaeologists have conducted over 800 archaeological projects and produced nearly 1,000 reports. We have worked throughout New Mexico, adjacent states, and northern Mexico, with reports available on projects in all areas.
The Services We Provide
• Comprehensive archaeological services for compliance, permitting, and research projects including intensive pedestrian survey, monitoring, and excavation
• Osteological and faunal analysis
• Ceramic, lithic, and historic artifact analysis
• Nondestructive radiocarbon sampling
• Photographic and illustration services
• Professional report production and publication
Our List of Clients
• The New Mexico Department of Transportation
• The New Mexico State Land Office
• The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division
• The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
• The Pueblo of Acoma
• Numerous New Mexico counties
• The City of Santa Fe
• Telecommunications and utility companies
• Private landowners throughout the state
Archaeological Permits
The Office of Archaeological Studies holds numerous city, state, and federal agency permits to conduct archaeological investigations.
• Statewide General Archaeological Permit
• The City of Santa Fe
• The Bureau of Land Management
• Unmarked Human Burial Excavation Permit
