Photos by Nichole Stevens
The Mission
The non-profit Archaeological Research Laboratory (ARL) is a consulting, cultural resource assessment, and research unit dedicated to the conduct of high quality and timely work for government agencies and private entities, while providing hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for students, educators, and the interested public. This program involves six faculty members and 10-20 undergraduate and graduate student volunteers and interns, and has been in operation since 2003.
The Partners
Community Partners include the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, many companies doing excavation, and museums preparing exhibits. University of Tennessee partners include Facilities Planning, College of Arts and Sciences, the Departments of Anthropology and Geography, the McClung Museum, UT Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and the University of Tennessee-Martin.
Impact on UT
The lab provides experiential training and formal learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the public practice of archaeology. The lab’s research faculty and staff serve as an applied archaeological research unit to the Department of Anthropology and assist in achieving its mission and programs. The lab also raises UT’s profile as faculty and students conducting lab work throughout Tennessee and the Southeast.
Impact on Community
The lab provides technical assistance, educational media, and professional development opportunities for practicing archaeologists. Lab programs are designed to translate the products of archaeological research for public education. Faculty and staff provide assistance to many state agencies and businesses by identifying potential historical remains at building sites, and developing museum exhibits.
See more photos on Facebook
Related story: The Archaeological Research Lab: Curating History Through Archaeological Discovery >>
Links
Archaeology Research Lab at UTK
ARL Outreach
Tn Today: Archaeological Project Battle Fort Sanders
Tn Today: Florida Everglades Research Climate Change Mitigation
Knoxnews: UT Project to Search for Lost Civil War Sites
Contact
The Archaeology Research Lab at (865) 974-9647
Click here to read about more Partnerships that Make a Difference.