Center for Archaeological Research

Welcome to the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR)-Celebrating 50 Years of Service!

The Center for Archaeological Research (CAR), a research facility within the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), was established in September 1974. As an organized research unit, CAR’s main objectives are: (1) to conduct archaeological research, primarily in Texas; (2) to carry out archaeological surveys and excavations for federal, state, and local agencies as required by legislation and executive order; (3) to provide public and private sector assistance and advice regarding cultural resource management; (4) to provide student training in archaeology through field and laboratory work, and publication; and, (5) disseminate to the general public information about local, regional, and state archaeology and history.

Many CAR projects involve archaeological and historical studies needed by federal agencies, city and county governments, engineers, architects, planning commissions, and other firms and agencies. Such investigations are often required by the Texas Historical Commission in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Code of Texas. CAR’s archaeological laboratory has complete facilities for processing artifact collections. The laboratory is a certified curatorial repository designated by the Texas Historical Commission. CAR is involved in many community outreach programs in the San Antonio area. CAR’s Legacy program provides hands-on learning opportunities for area primary and secondary school groups. Through providing such essential public service, research, and training, CAR plays an important role at UTSA, the San Antonio community, and south Texas.

Congratulations to Clinton M.M. McKenzie, who held his dissertation defense on April 29, 2025! His dissertation, entitled Situación Infeliz: A Demographic Examination of Resilience in Spanish Colonial San Antonio, examines various demographic subjects including highly skewed male sex ratios and high male mortality from violence with Native Americans during the period of 1718-1802. His demographic results are examined through a lens of resilience theory, and how this affected the population of 18th century San Antonio.
Get ready to dig into history—our archaeology summer camp is back! We wanted to let everyone know that we are opening our registration for our summer archaeology camps Today (3/17/2025)! We have gotten a great number of interested parents after such a successful summer last year, and hope you are just as excited as we are! We will be following a similar curriculum to last summer, with the exception of Archaeology 201 being more focused on Texas archaeology. We encourage parents to register for 101 and 201 as we build upon basic archaeology knowledge in our more advanced 201 camp. We have 17 seats available for each week-long camp for kids ages 9-13. Registration is now open, and we can't wait to welcome both returning and new campers. More details and information will be sent to you two weeks before your registered camp, so be sure to be on the lookout! We hope we will see you this summer! Thank you again for your interest and support in our Legacy education program.
Check out recent articles authored or co-authored by staff members!
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