Historical Materials

An in-house team of project directors and analysts conducts comprehensive artifact analysis and archival research for historic projects. Team members have analyzed in excess of 500,000 artifacts and have conducted research in major archives in Arizona, the National Archives, and the Huntington Library in Los Angeles.

We also use online resources, including census records, scanned newspapers, vital records, court records, maps, and photographs, to research properties and to create biographies of individuals and families.

Investigated assemblages, families, and properties span the time from the seventeenth century arrival of Spaniards in the Southwest to the recent past. The historic research team is led by J. Homer Thiel, who specializes in historic ceramics, glass bottles, and genealogical research. The team also includes Dr. Michael W. Diehl, who specializes in firearms and military items, and Christine H. Virden-Lange. James M. Heidke works with historic ceramics, and Jennifer A. Waters analyzes faunal materials.

Mr. Thiel has published multiple research articles in the Journal of the Southwest, Historical Archaeology, Industrial Archaeology, and American Ancestors. He is also an accomplished speaker who contributes to popular-interest presentations that link enthusiastic audiences to the history of their communities.

Desert Archaeology’s historical archaeology researchers can provide a range of consulting, research, and analytical services on a contract basis. Email us for availability, scheduling, and current rates.