History

Archaeology Societies Found in the Texas Hill Country

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Texas Hill Country’s past did not begin with the Spanish entering the region. People lived throughout Texas long before then, but they did not leave houses or cities behind, and it’s only through the work of archaeologists that their contributions to Texas history are discovered. Archaeology in the Texas Hill Country has many facets, including prehistoric and historic sites. These are a handful of active archaeological societies in the Hill Country that regularly conduct digs on both public and private land.

1. The Gault School of Archaeological Research

The Gault School focuses on archaeology of Clovis culture peoples in Texas

Photo: Facebook/Gault School of Archaeological Research

The Gault School, near Florence, mainly focuses on Clovis culture at the Gault site. Though the site has been subject to digs since 1929, the school has only been around since 2006. The oldest artifacts that have been found there, date to more than 15,000 years old, much older than experts once believed people lived in Texas. The school itself, like the dig site, focuses on the earliest people in North America, making its focus mainly prehistory. Though the site itself is on private property, you can arrange for a group tour for $10 per person. Or you can volunteer in the lab, or in the field. These are great opportunities for archaeology students to get hands-on experience.

2. Texas Archaeological Society

Texas Archaeological Society at a field school

Photo: Facebook/Texas Historical Commission

Based in San Marcos at Texas State University, the Texas Archaeological Society is the official archaeology group for the state. This group both conducts digs and seeks to educate the public on archaeology and the history of the state. Field schools teach participants about the intricacies of the science, and Archaeological Academies help novices and experts alike brush up on their knowledge and skills.

3. Hill Country Archaeological Association

Texas Hill Country Archaeological Association at its 2016 celebration

Photo: Facebook/Hill Country Archaeological Association

The Hill Country Archaeological Association serves many of the same functions as the state society, but with a focus on the Hill Country. Through field schools, members of this group learn how to become archaeologists by learning basic techniques used in the field. On the third Saturday of the month, this group hosts meetings, which are open to the public, featuring guest speakers. Visit the Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville for these meetings, which cost nothing to attend and give you more insight into the field as its studied in Texas.