Brigham Young University. Office of Public Archaeology

The Office of Public Archaeology was established in 1986 under the direction of Asa S. Nielson. Following Directors include: James D. Wilde (1988-1996) and Richard K. Talbot (1996-2021).

Variant names

OPA

Description

Established: 1986

Abolished: 2021

Location: Provo, Utah (1986-2021)

Functions

The Office of Public Archaeology provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities for hands-on experience and paid employment in the field of professional archaeology, and at the same time, keeps BYU at the forefront of local and regional archaeological research.

Assets and Administrative Structure

The Office of Public Archaeology operated under a Director. From 1980-2006, the Director reported to the Dean of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. In 2006, the Office was assumed into the Department of Anthropology and the Director reported to the Department Chair.

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences (1986-2006)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. Dept. of Anthropology (2006-)

Earlier unit: Brigham Young University. Cultural Resource Management Services (1986)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Research Division (1989-1990)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Museum of Peoples and Cultures (1986-)

Sources

Email from Brigham Young University, Apr. 2, 2010 (Asa S. Nielson Director in 1980; James D. Wilde Director from 1988/1989-1996; Richard K. Talbot Director from 1996 until present; under College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences from 1980-2006; under Department of Anthropology, and its Department Chair)

University Telephone Directory 1986; p. 36 (OPA inception; Asa Nielson, manager; associated with Museum of Peoples and Cultures)

University Telephone Directory 1988; p. 28 (James D. Wilde, Director of Office of Public Archaeology)

Conversation with Mike Searcy, Oct. 13, 2022 (office closed in December 2021)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2010-00035

LCCN: no2009048131

Creator: RSP/ARC