The Archaeology Research Collections (ARC) is the repository for archaeological data, archives, and objects at Southern Methodist University (SMU). We house approximately 3000 cubic feet of archaeological artifacts and objects, approximately 1000 cubic feet of associated records and archives, and several research type- and comparative-collections.
Most of our collections derive from research and compliance projects performed by Southern Methodist University between 1965 and 1993. Our collections are of State, National, and International significance, and include materials from Middle Stone Age sites in East Africa; Paleoindian sites of the American Southeast and Southern Plains; ancestral villages of Caddo, Wichita, and other Indigenous Texas peoples; Spanish Missions of Texas; and, at least one Freedmen community of North Texas. We serve as stewards of these materials, providing access for the research community and the general public. Our mission is to curate SMU-held archaeological collections according to State and Federal standards; to conduct and facilitate novel research and use of these collections; to foster public education of and respect for archaeology as a conduit through which modern communities connect with our shared human past.
People
Director
Research Affiliates
Undergraduate Researchers
* Supported by the Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
- Caroline Madrid (SMU 2027)*
- Julia Millen (SMU 2028)
- Paulina Olvera Meouchi (SMU 2028)
- Jordan Rivers (SMU 2027)*
Volunteer Researchers
- Christy Bednar
- Lynne Candler
- Dan McGregor
- Jay Newman, P.h.D.
Collections Inventory
Our collections inventory is presently in draft form, and additional collections will be added as they are documented. A current draft of our collections inventory is available here:
Link to current collections inventory draft
Using the Collections
The ARC is open by appointment to all researchers. Documents can only be used in our facilities. Physical collections may be loaned to qualified institutions for no more than one calendar year. Requests for physical and/or digital copies of documents and images can be made following our Imaging Services & Permission to Publish, and may be subject to our reproduction and usage fees.
Location
The ARC is located on the north side of SMU’s main campus in N. L. Heroy Science Hall. Our facilities are generally available Monday through Friday, from 9 AM until 4 PM. Our laboratory is not open to the public except by special arrangement. Researchers may request access by scheduling an appointment. For further information on scheduling a visit, please contact us.
Equipment
The ARC maintains a fully functioning collections management and curation laboratory, with access to microscopy (reflective, polarized, and digital), analytical balances, digital calipers, and other standard archaeology laboratory equipment.
Specialized equipment includes:
- Photography
- Nikon D850
- Canon 6D Mk II
- Photo specimen tables (2)
- Light boxes for photographing large and small objects
- Film/Negative/Print Digitization
- Nikon CoolScan 5000 ED
- Epson Perfection V700 Photo
- 3D Scanning
- NextEngine 2020i Ultra HD (benchtop)
- CR-Scan Raptor (handheld)
- 3D Printing
- ZCorp ZPrinter 450 (full-color powder)
- Anycubic Photon M3 Max (monochromatic resin)
- Geochemistry
- The ARC shares access to two portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers with the Department of Anthropology, allowing for the rapid geochemical characterization of obsidian, fine-grained volcanic rock, sediments, metals, and other matrices.
We also collaborate and cohost equipment with the Shuler Museum of Paleontology and the Digital Earth Sciences Laboratory at SMU.