UW Archaeological Repository

The University of Wyoming Archaeological Repository (UWAR) houses more than 4.5 million artifacts and archives from over 15,000 sites spanning over 11,500 years of occupation on the High Plains and Rocky Mountains. These collections come from UW Anthropology research collections, private donations, and federal/public lands. UWAR is the largest archaeological repository in the state and the only active federal repository in Wyoming. It is managed by the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist (OWSA).

Collection Use: Research, Student Projects, and Educational Loans

UWAR actively encourages the use of its collections for research projects of all sorts. Recent projects have included group migration using ceramic data, obsidian sourcing as related to prehistoric trade or travel, steatite vessel use and its implications for high altitude cultural adaptations, plant processing, site structure and faunal analysis, prehistoric hunting strategies, and interactions with and use of dogs in Plains cultures.

The Frison Institute [link: http://www.uwyo.edu/anthropology/frison-institute/grants%20and%20awards/] offers Collections Grants to defray the cost of visiting the UW archaeological collections (travel, living expenses, equipment, supplies, research assistance, and other relevant expenditures). Applications can be submitted anytime. Max: $500.

UWAR also regularly loans materials out for research and educational activities that take place both inside and outside of our facility. For more information consult the OWSA website or contact us.

Internships and Employment

UWAR employs an average of 10 students every year and regularly offers for-credit internships that students can put towards their Museum Studies or Anthropology programs. These internships vary by semester depending on active projects, but often include:

Collections Management

Legacy Collections Inventory
Special Collections Organization and Inventory (requires some
archaeological experience)
Archaeological Site/Artifact Cataloging
Digitization project (2D and 3D)

Education/Outreach

Educational Toolkit Creation and Development (K-12)
Educational Collections Organization and Cataloging
Social Media Development

Archival Organization and Inventory

Oversize Archaeological Maps
Oversize Rock Art Drawings/Tracings & Slides
Collection Cataloging

Tours and Educational Activities

UWAR regularly offers on-demand tours to groups and individuals of all ages and holds one Open House annually through the June Frison Chapter of the Wyoming Archaeological Society. We are happy to work with educational groups, classes, and summer camps to arrange activities to complement your curriculum or group’s interests.

Activities regularly offered include: