Education Outreach at the Office of Archaeological Studies
Examples of Our Youth and Family Programs
The Office of Archaeological Studies (OAS) Education Outreach Program is an award-winning program that tailors educational offerings in ways that are enjoyable, relatable, interactive and accessible in the ever-changing dynamic environment of New Mexico. The OAS is a not-for-profit organization of the state and it’s educational programming comes at no cost to the recipient. The program aims to strengthen our understanding of traditional communities and create greater foundations for understanding and empathy between the diverse communities of New Mexico.
Field Trips to the Center for New Mexico Archaeology
Bring your students for a learning adventure with a field trip to the Office of Archaeological Studies! We have a variety of programs to offer that can dovetail with what you’re learning about in class. Our field trips consist of a brief tour of a working archaeological office and it’s laboratories, a lecture and activity in our classroom, and an outdoor activity (weather permitting) such as learning to use traditional bows and arrows and atlatls (spear throwers). We work with all age groups and ability levels, but our facility is small so we do limit field trip size to 40 students or fewer. If you’re interested in including a field trip to the OAS into your Santa Fe visit, please reach out to Ziggy Prothro at ziggy.prothro@dca.nm.gov.
The OAS School Bus Fund
The Office of Archaeological Studies is pleased to announce that, with the assistance of a generous grant from the Friends of Archaeology, we are able to offer funding for New Mexico schools who may not otherwise be able to make a field trip to the OAS. If your class would like to come visit us and needs support in funding transportation, please contact Ziggy Prothro at ziggy.prothro@dca.nm.gov.
Education Mission Statement
The OAS education program seeks to enrich the lives of New Mexicans through an exploration of our states rich and diverse cultural history using science-informed archaeological investigation and outreach.
Support OAS Education
The OAS Education Outreach Program is financially supported by a combination of State of New Mexico funds, grants and donations through the Museum of New Mexico Foundation (MNMF), and money raised by Friends of Archaeology, an MNMF interest group.
In 2023, the Mollie Toll Endowment for Education Outreach was established through the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and provides money for the Office of Archaeological Studies’ Education Outreach program to bring the OAS’ award-winning archaeology education initiative to the citizens of the state of New Mexico, free of cost. Mollie Toll was a tireless advocate for the advancement of the understanding of archaeology in New Mexico and gave freely of her time to students, educators, and the general public for over four decades. Mollie’s legacy of science and service lives on through her endowment fund, giving future generations the opportunity to learn and grow. More information about the Office of Archaeological Studies’ endowment funds (and how you can donate to them) can be found on the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s website: www.museumfoundation.org/endowments/.
Find out how archaeology can inspire and spark your imagination about the past!