How to Find Archaeological Sites: Professional Research Tools & Methods from 40 Years in the Field

Описание: In this video, I explain the exact research tools and public resources I’ve relied on for over 40 years to find cliff dwellings and rock art panels in the Southwest. It doesn't share locations, it shows the process—from archives and maps to professional organizations and long-term pattern recognition—that I personally used to document more than 6,000 ancient sites.

🧭 Core Resources Used
These are not shortcuts. Most of them require time, reading, and patience—but they are the foundation of ethical archaeological research.
• State and regional archaeology associations
• Academic journals and survey reports
• Historic maps, land use records, and travel routes
• Museum archives and unpublished field notes
• Local knowledge (how to get people to share their expertise)
• Long-term pattern recognition

🏛️ U.S. Archaeology Associations by State
Below is a reference list of state and national archaeology organizations mentioned in the video. Bookmark it if you’re serious about learning archaeology the right way. Many offer lectures, publications, field schools, and volunteer opportunities.

Alabama – Alabama Archaeological Society
Alaska – Alaska Anthropological Association
Arizona – Arizona Archaeological Society; Arizona Archaeological Council
Arkansas – Arkansas Archeological Society
California – Society for California Archaeology
Colorado – Colorado Archaeological Society
Connecticut – Archaeological Society of Connecticut
Delaware – Archaeological Society of Delaware
Florida – Florida Anthropological Society
Georgia – Georgia Council of Professional Archaeologists; Peach State Archaeological Society
Hawaii – Society for Hawaiian Archaeology
Idaho – Idaho Archaeological Society
Illinois – Illinois Association for the Advancement of Archaeology
Indiana – Indiana Archaeological Council
Iowa – Iowa Archeological Society
Kansas – Kansas Anthropological Association
Kentucky – Kentucky Heritage Council / Kentucky Archeological Survey
Louisiana – Louisiana Archaeological Society
Maine – Maine Archaeological Society
Maryland – Archaeological Society of Maryland
Massachusetts – Massachusetts Archaeological Society
Michigan – Michigan Archaeological Society
Minnesota – Minnesota Archaeological Society
Mississippi – Mississippi Archaeological Association
Missouri – Missouri Archaeological Society
Montana – Montana Archaeological Society
Nebraska – Nebraska State Historical Society (Archaeology Division)
Nevada – Nevada Archaeological Association
New Hampshire – New Hampshire Archaeological Society
New Jersey – Archaeological Society of New Jersey
New Mexico – New Mexico Archaeological Council; Archaeological Society of New Mexico
New York – New York State Archaeological Association
North Carolina – North Carolina Archaeological Society
North Dakota – North Dakota Archaeological Association
Ohio – Archaeological Society of Ohio
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Anthropological Society
Oregon – Oregon Archaeological Society
Pennsylvania – Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology
Rhode Island – Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (OSA)
South Carolina – Archaeological Society of South Carolina
South Dakota – South Dakota Archaeological Society
Tennessee – Tennessee Council for Professional Archaeology; Tennessee Archaeology Network
Texas – Texas Archaeological Society
Utah – Utah Statewide Archaeological Society; Utah Rock Art Research Association
Vermont – Vermont Archaeological Society
Virginia – Archaeological Society of Virginia
Washington – Association for Washington Archaeology
West Virginia – West Virginia Archaeological Society
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Archeological Society
Wyoming – Wyoming Archaeological Society

🌐 National Organizations
• Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
• Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
• Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)
• Eastern States Archaeological Federation (ESAF)

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