Get Involved

There are a number of good ways to help the Grant County Archaeological Society fulfill our mission of preservation and protection of archaeological and historical places and things, regardless of a volunteer's skill level or available time. Following is a list of just some of the projects that are available.

Site Stewards. For volunteer opportunities outdoors, the New Mexico Site Steward Foundation trains and assigns volunteers to monitor certain designated sites on public, private and tribal lands in their own communities. Site stewards adopt an archaeological site, historic structure(s), trail, or similar place. The volunteers then periodically monitor their assigned location for any detrimental changes, such as signs of erosion, vandalism, or looting. Several GCAS members are active site stewards so interested people can either contact the Site Steward Foundation directly or contact us for further information.

The Mimbres Culture Heritage Site. Similar to our group, the Imogen F. Wilson Foundation that owns and operates the Mattocks Ruin/Mimbres Culture Heritage Site is staffed completely by volunteers. The Foundation would welcome anyone open to taking time to assist them in their particular activities. Please contact the MCHS directly for details.

GCAS Educational Projects. Our group routinely offers indoor and outdoor educational events to students from a variety of area schools, and we are always looking for extra volunteers to help coordinate the schoolchildren's activities. We also need volunteers from time to time to help organize and maintain our group's library and archives, located at the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site, with a view toward making the library more accessible to students and researchers of all ages.

GCAS Preservation and Maintenance Projects. We assist the Imogen F. Wilson Foundation by maintaining the interpretive trails and signs at the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site; GCAS members have also designed and built some of their museum's indoor exhibits and continue with maintenance and upkeep of them. On certain occasions we may call on volunteers to help repair vandalism at archaeological sites. Individuals interested in occasional maintenance, repair, and preservation projects of indoor or outdoor sites, structures, and displays are certainly welcome to work with GCAS members and volunteer their time and skills in these areas.

GCAS Public Information Projects. Some of our members give regular guided tours along the outdoor interpretive trails at the Mattocks Ruin/Mimbres Culture Heritage Site, and would be happy to train interested volunteers to do the same. We also set up informational tables at area events like county fairs or festivals, and contribute articles to local newspapers when and as requested. Volunteers with interest in contacts with the public or in writing for publication are welcome to contribute.