ARCHAEOLOGY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
18 “Since 1983, Crow Canyon has unarguably been a national forerunner in the practice of citizen science (the practice of public partic- ipation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific know- ledge). Tens of thousands of individuals, from middle-school-age students to senior citizens, have contributed to the Center’s ongoing research into the Ancestral Pueblo history of the Mesa Verde region. They have contributed through participation in excavation and survey as well as through artifact analy- sis and classification. Lessons learned in these authentic research experiences are vast, some simple and others more complex.” —Elaine Franklin 19 Dr. Bill Lipe, award-winning archaeologist who served as Crow Canyon’s Director of Research from 1985 to 1993 and is a current Trustee, implemented the practice of conservation archaeology at Crow Canyon. This practice focuses on the preservation and stabilization of archaeological sites and continues to be a mission focus.
20 Crow Canyon founder Stuart Struever* created the idea of public archaeology which became one of Crow Canyon’s founding principles. “My idea was to get youngsters to come here from all over the U.S. to do genuine archaeology. And it has a huge impact on youngsters when someone respects them enough to let them… contribute to the scientific mission. You can’t do that in nuclear physics, can’t do that in medicine, but you can do it in archaeology. That’s the whole educational dimension, experiential edu- cation, hands-on for people really young all the way through senior citizens.” —Stuart Struever*, Ph.D., Founder, past President, and former Trustee 21 1986 marked the first Cultural Explorations program (formerly Four Corners Seminars). These custom- ized, multi-day travel programs have connected hundreds of citizens to archaeology experts, Indigenous scholars, and ancestral landscapes, opening minds, broadening perspec - tives, forging friendships, and often changing lives.
Public engagement has always been a fundamental aspect of our mission. Essential aspects of educational practice that have characterized Crow Canyon’s public education programs for four decades include experiential education and inquiry pedagogy, situated learning, multivocality, and the inclusion of descendant communities.
Our experiential education programs not only provide instruction in archae - ology, but also involve citizen scientists in the actual research process. This approach increases awareness of, and appreciation for, our rich cultural heritage, while providing broad-based support for archaeological research and preservation. Through our programs, students of all ages gain an understanding of culture, American Indian history, archaeological research, human interaction with the environment, and the importance of cultural continuity.
11 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
CROW CANYON ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER 12
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