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.
At the end of October 2025, Matthew Degraffenried presented a paper at the South Central Conference on Mesoamerica meeting in San Antonio. His paper was entitled "Dietary Differences in the Maya Lowlands: Using Isotopic Analysis of Remains to Understand Differences in Maya Diet". He has also recented received his Master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, with his thesis on the same topic.
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.
Congratulations to Amber Hefner who received her Master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in December 2024. Her thesis was entitled "Analysis of an Early Brownware Assemblage from the Sanchez Archaeological Site, Southeastern Arizona".
Check out recent articles authored or co-authored by staff members!
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May 15, 2023
CAR Legacy Summer Camps!CAR Legacy is running four summer camps for children ages 9-13 at the Center for Archaeological Research on UTSA's 1604 campus!
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We appreciate your interest in the Center for Archaeological Research and extend our warmest welcome to you!
