Casa Grande Expansion

The Center for Desert Archaeology is working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, City of Coolidge, Town of Florence, Friends of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Pinal County Historical Society, and others in support of a National Park Service (NPS) proposal to expand the boundaries of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Read about the proposed expansion and find a link to a recent Arizona Republic editorial supporting the plan. more...

Archaeology Café: Where Did the Mimbres Go

Please join the Center for Desert Archaeology and Casa Vicente at the March 16, 2010, meeting of Archaeology Café. Steve Lekson, Professor and Curator of Anthropology at the University of Colorado, will address the question "where did the Mimbres go, and where did Casas Grandes come from?" We will meet at 6:00 pm for this happy-hour discussion forum. Presentations last 20 to 30 minutes, and are followed by discussion and Q & A. Seating is open. Guests are encouraged to support our hosts, Casa Vicente, by purchasing their own food and drinks.

Current Research: Kayenta and Salado Migrations

One of the few places in the southern Southwest where large populations are evident in the mid- to late 14th century is the greater Upper Gila region, including the Upper Gila River, its tributaries, and the Mimbres River Valley. We propose that a late prehistoric migration corridor followed the Gila River upstream into southwestern New Mexico. Our current research is directed at understanding the nature and timing of waves of migration, as well as their impact on community organization and identify formation.

The Virtual Vault

Building a True Virtual Museum

In partnership with the Arizona State Museum and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Center for Desert Archaeology is developing an online database featuring three-dimensional interactive models of ancient, historic, and modern Native American ceramics. Thanks to Creative Dimension Ltd.’s 3DSOM modeling system, the Virtual Vault will soon share hundreds of vessels from the Arizona State Museum's whole vessel collection. more...