The Community Archaeologist

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The Community Archaeologist

A digital magazine celebrating the history and heritage of Oklahoma.

06/19/2026

Lina Ortega, associate curator at the Western History Collections, has committed herself to making archives more accessible for Indigenous communities. Through this article, one can understand the reparative description, oral history projects, and community collaboration she works to preserve. With boarding school histories, language, and family stories that have too often been erased or overlooked, her work reminds us that archives are not just about preserving the past, but about reconnecting people to identity and belonging. You can learn more about this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist.

06/13/2026

Following the fall of Kabul in 2021, Oklahoma welcomed thousands of Afghan refugees, creating new opportunities for connection, learning, and community. Danielle Macdonald highlights how universities, students, and local organizations came together to support newcomers through cultural exchange, education, and friendship. It’s a powerful example of “anthropology in action” and a reminder that creating a sense of belonging can make a big difference. You can learn more about this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist.

06/05/2026

Hidden in the High Plains of Kansas, the Scott County Pueblo tells a remarkable story of Indigenous resilience and community. Cooley explores how Puebloan migrants and ancestral Apache communities came together in the Ladder Creek Valley, relying on generations of kinship, cooperation, and shared knowledge to navigate the challenges of colonialism. Through archaeology, we gain a glimpse into a deeply connected world and the enduring strength of the relationships that helped these communities thrive. You can learn more about this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist.

06/01/2026

The Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist is live! Click the link in our bio for full access to all articles in this new issue!

05/29/2026

In “Harnessing Local Knowledge: Ranching Wisdon in the Upper Gunnison Basin” by Noah Powell, Powell highlights how archaeology is about more than artifacts, it’s about the people who know the land best. By working alongside ranchers and residents in Colorado’s Upper Gunnison Basin, the article shows how local stories, lived experiences, and generational knowledge can help uncover traces of the past that might otherwise stay hidden. You can read more about this article on The Community Archaeologist Spring 2025 issue.

05/22/2026

In “In with the Old, Out with the New” by Reagan Ballard, Ballard discusses the journey of Neil Garrison’s retirement through outdoor exploration and finding new passions later in life. When visiting Mesa Verde National Park, Garrison discovered the art of flintknapping, an ancient crafting technic of creating sharp stone tools. He began seeking mentorship from a professional in the business, understanding that, “it’s not what you make but what you learn.” You can find more about flintknapping and this article in The Community Archaeologist Spring 2024 issue.

05/16/2026

Coming soon June 1st, the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaoelogist! Be on the look out for the new issue linked in our bio!

05/08/2026

“Am I an Activist?” by Lewis Borck discusses how being a researcher correlates to being an activist and what activism truly means. He writes, “Research involves choosing what questions to ask and how to approach them. Our experiences, values, life, histories, and cultures influence these choices.” Activism is much more broad than most people think, and understanding this role can be important for both self and society. You can read more about this article in The Community Archaeologist Spring 2023 issue.

05/01/2026

“Public Archaeology, History, and Life, at Concord Quarters” by Shawn P. Lambert, Debbie Cosey, and Aaron Patton highlights how excavations go beyond artifacts at this 1,242 acre historical site. Built in the 1790s and later shaped by generations of people, the site’s history is pieced together not just through digging, but through collaboration with descendant communities and the public. You can learn more from this article in The Community Archaeologist Spring 2023 issue.

04/24/2026

“Between the Shadows of Home” by Chelsy Lyons explores the experiences of grief and movement she has faced in her life. She details a duality in her two identities: “The artifacts of my heritage can be found in the shadow of two mountains.” One half of her exists in Sicily where her Italian ancestors lived while the other lives in Oklahoma where her grandfather immigrated to. Significantly, she experienced the death of her grandfather serving symbolically as the loss of her Italian heritage and culture. Through retaining artifacts and heirlooms she began a process of reconnection. To learn more about her experiences, read The Community Archaeologist Spring 2024.

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