Access to Collections for Research

Access Form (PDF - 121K *)

The Arizona State Museum, the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the Southwest, has served as the state’s official archaeological repository and the largest non-federal archaeological repository in the country.  One of our principal functions is to administer Arizona’s Antiquities Act and related state laws regarding discoveries of human burials.  We also assist state & federal agencies in implementing repatriation of remains and objects to affiliated descendants.  In addition, as one of the oldest research units on the University of Arizona’s campus, we regularly host researchers from around the world who use the collections to expand the frontiers of knowledge in archaeology, ethnology, and history.

The Bioarchaeology section of the Research Division of the Arizona State Museum manages the preservation of an archaeological collection of human skeletal remains that has accumulated over the years as the result of the Museum’s legislative responsibilities and archaeological projects from within Arizona.  Under certain conditions these collections can be made available for legitimate scientific research.  Finding a balance between concerns for preservation, cultural sensitivity and conducting research with human skeletal remains can be difficult.  Therefore, we only encourage and accept proposals for research on the ASM Human Skeletal Collection for significant, well-designed projects that have the potential to contribute to the field of Bioarchaeology and the development of an enhanced understanding of our human experience in the past.  Guidelines for proposals for scientific study and access to the Arizona State Museum Human Skeletal Collection are contained in the complete Access Form (PDF - 121K *) Please feel free to contact us with any specific questions, comments or proposal ideas. Contact information is listed below.

Resources for Conducting Research: Research on the ASM Human Skeletal Collection is largely conducted in the Human Osteology Laboratory, located in the South ASM building.  The lab is equipped with abundant table space, an anatomical comparative collection, standard osteological measurement equipment (various calipers and osteometric boards), a digitizer, computer and internet access, and natural or artificial lighting.  Special arrangements can also be made to accommodate specific equipment.  Visitors are welcome to use the ASM Library’s photocopy machine.  There is a charge of $.10 per page for copies.  The Museum staff will not process photocopy requests for you.  Researchers should be aware that the ASM Library holds additional material that may be of interest, including the Museum’s publications, numerous reports (or ‘grey literature’) and administrative archives.     

James Watson, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator of Bioarchaeology
Arizona State Museum
The University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210026
Tucson, AZ 85721-0026
Office (520) 621-4794
Fax (520) 621-2976

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Access Form (PDF - 121K *)

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