The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology & Office of State Archaeology welcomes research inquiries from scholars, students, professional archaeologists, agency staff, museum professionals, and other qualified researchers.
Research may involve Museum collections, archival and documentary materials, photographs, digital resources, archaeological site records, GIS data, or other forms of archaeological and anthropological documentation. Because these resources are managed through different access pathways, researchers should begin by identifying the type of information or material they need.
Museum Collections and Archives
Researchers interested in archaeological collections, ethnographic collections, archival and documentary materials, photographs, digital images, or other Museum holdings should begin with the Collections Access Requests page.
Collections access is reviewed by Museum staff and may depend on the proposed use, documentation status, collection condition, staff availability, cultural sensitivity, legal obligations, and other stewardship considerations.
OSA Records, GIS Data, and Site Files
Researchers interested in official archaeological site records, archaeological site forms, CRM reports, GIS-based records reviews, project-area checks, or access to OSA’s archaeological site files should begin with the Office of State Archaeology’s Records Reviews or OSA Library Access procedures.
Because archaeological site information can be sensitive, access to OSA records is managed through established request, review, and appointment procedures.
Planning a Research Visit
Researchers should contact WSWMA & OSA as early as possible in the planning process. Requests should include a brief project description, the materials or records requested, proposed dates or timeline, institutional affiliation if applicable, intended use of information or images, and any relevant deadlines.
Submitting an inquiry or access request does not automatically guarantee access. Staff may request additional information, direct researchers to a different access pathway, place conditions on access, or decline requests that cannot be supported.