Chaco Research Archive

The Chaco Research Archive is an online resource providing access to a wealth of information documenting the history of archaeological research in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The archive includes material from dozens of sites excavated in the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and beyond. In June of 2002, a group of southwestern archaeologists met to examine the potential for creating an on-line Chaco research archive to significantly enhance our ability to answer key research questions by improving access to the full record of surveys and excavations. Such an archive was envisioned as a “virtual” collection of the scattered Chaco information to be integrated in a manner such that scholars could more easily assemble the types of data most relevant to a variety of important research issues. Thus, the Chaco Digital Initiative took shape. Their object is to make these legacy data available to a wider body of scholars in order that this resource will facilitate their ability to answer new questions as research evolves and promote understanding of the full complexity of Chacoan society.