The Department of Anthropology at the 91Ö±²¥ offers a number of unique opportunities for students who are interested in archaeology, including a summer archaeological field school, laboratory analysis and curation opportunities, and independent study and research projects. Dr. Ryan Gray of the Department of Anthropology specializes in urban historical archaeology in the City of New Orleans, and he is always happy to involve students and members of the public in ongoing projects within the city. These opportunities are open to undergraduate Anthropology majors and to students in the CRM track of the MSUS program, but they are also available for those who might want to learn more about the city's history or get hands-on experience in archaeology.
Historically, the 91Ö±²¥ has also provided a home for the Greater New Orleans Archaeology Program (or GNOAP), a state program offering resources for private and public property owners, planners, and concerned citizens about archaeological issues in the greater New Orleans area. The mission of the GNOAP was to prevent the loss of the archaeological heritage of greater New Orleans through site documentation, preservation, research, and public education. While the GNOAP program at the state level is currently on hiatus, the Department of Anthropology continues to support its goals, including:
- To conduct research and documentation of archaeological sites and features prior to their destruction;
- To be a regional and national resource for private landowners and those interested in New Orleans’ history;
- To prevent the loss of irreplaceable historical information through public education and preservation planning; and
- To diversify New Orleans’ preservation and tourism initiatives, broadening an appreciation for the city’s unique heritage.
Undergraduate and graduate students, prospective students, and members of the public interested in archaeology at 91Ö±²¥ may contact Dr. Ryan Gray for information about programs connected to the University.
