As of January 2007, the beginning of School of American Research's 101st year, the name of this educational non-profit organization was officially changed to the "SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH ON THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE."
I only knew this research facility when I lived in Santa Fe as SAR. I did contract archeological cartography for them for a couple of years. The cartography wasn't difficult, but getting each drawing and map approved was. They had a reputation for never approving the first work submitted. Always wanting everything perfect. Deadlines weren't the primary motivation, perfection was. There were always changes. But producing maps and drawings for some of the Grand Canyon Series of publications made me feel a real part of this prestigious institution and worth the trouble of working for perfectionists.
This 100 year-old institution was initially established to study and research the archaeology and ethnology of the American Southwest. In the late 1960s the focus became more of a global one. The programs and activities of SAR today include research and study to advance archeology, anthropology and similar related disciplines. The School's many programs include a scholars-in-residence program, seminars and public lectures, and extensive Native American Indian Arts research programs.
SAR has an annual Lecture Series and also provides field trips to noted archeological sites to its members. Membership is inexpensive and the benefits are enormous. 100 years of research is at your fingertips through their extensive library collections (the librarian was the librarian in the Laboratory of Anthropology for many years) and many research programs and publications. (Plus they always welcome volunteers.)
Check out www.sarweb.org for complete information on this research institution that has been moving the anthropological study of the American Southwest and other areas of the world forward for over 100 years. read more