“How many schools have an archaeological site on their campus?” posed M-CHS social studies teacher Raymond Harriman.
Before building the new schoolhouse, officials were required to survey the 35-acre site for any archaeological ruins. Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants subsequently discovered what are believed to be a set of room blocks and a pit structure dating to the Pueblo II era in the northeast corner of the property.
Harriman, a retired archaeologist, hopes to partner with local archaeological organizations, including the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center and the Anasazi Heritage Center. He said those local resources could help provide a meaningful educational experience.
“We want to have the ability to introduce kids to the science,” said Harriman.
Because of budget cuts, the school’s archaeology course was dropped in 2010. Today, Harriman is thrilled to return the program.
“Archaeology is such a large part of the community, so this is a huge step forward for us,” said Harriman.
Harriman remains unsure how to incorporate the archaeological site at the high school into the course curriculum.
“The perfect situation would be to open up that space, and have it as a workable outdoor field lab,” said Harriman.
The unexcavated, 100-square-foot site was discovered more than three decades ago while officials searched for gravel deposits to be used in surrounding transportation projects, according to state records. Since being rediscovered in 2013, the ruins – containing evidence of a chipping station, a place where stone tools were made – have been stabilized and protected.
Harriman worked as an archaeologist for the University of Colorado during the Dolores Project. He later worked for several private archaeological firms for more than two decades, before turning to the classroom.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com