May 4, 2005. Timely through August 15, 2005.
For more information, call 1-800-422-8975, ext.130. Media photo provided below.

Cortez, Colorado
Did you know that for every day an archaeologist spends actively excavating in the field, at least three days are spent in the lab, washing, sorting, and analyzing the artifacts that have been found? If you have an active interest in archaeology, then spend a week, or two, this fall learning advanced pottery analysis and interpretation as part of Crow Canyon's Fall Lab program.

Offered from Sunday, September 25 through October 1, 2005, and again from October 2 through October 8, 2005, Fall Lab is an opportunity for interested participants to work alongside our friendly and knowledgeable staff assisting with diverse laboratory tasks. The first week is open to any interested person, while the second week is reserved for those who have previously participated in a Crow Canyon Adult Research Program.

During a typical field season, more than 75,000 artifacts and samples come into the research lab, all needing to be carefully processed and studied. By participating in Fall Lab, each participant will get to view a far greater variety of artifacts that have been collected over the course of the field season than one person could possibly uncover while excavating alone in the field. This year the Center begins an exciting six-year project in partnership with the National Park Service--Goodman Point Archaeological Project: Community Center and Cultural Landscape Study which is expected to yield a treasure trove of new artifacts and information about the people that inhabited this area many years ago.

As a Fall Lab participant, you will help to provide essential support at the end of a busy field season. You'll also have the unique opportunity to develop your own analytic skills as you contribute to one of the most exciting and innovative research efforts in the country. And who knows? You may be the person who makes the next important discovery--you just never know that you might find in the next bag of artifacts!

The archaeologists at Crow Canyon have been studying the ancestral Pueblo Indians of the area for more than 20 years. Their enthusiasm is contagious and will provide an unforgettable learning experience. Crow Canyon's researchers are knowledgeable and personable teachers, dedicated to sharing their ideas and experiences with participants.

Crow Canyon is located in the archaeological heartland of the American Southwest, near Mesa Verde National Park. The cost of the program is $975 for novices and $875 for Crow Canyon alumni. The price includes Crow Canyon tuition, all meals, lodging on Crow Canyon's campus in log-style hogans, and local transportation.

Crow Canyon is a not-for-profit organization offering excavation, workshop, and travel programs in the greater Southwest and throughout the world.

The photo below may be used by the media to accompany this press release. No other use is authorized. Photographer credit and copyright notice is required.

Participants in Fall Lab learn to analyze pottery. Photo by Ginnie Dunlop. Copyright © 2004 Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.