Oklahoma Public Archaeology Network

08/31/2026

The Black Heritage Tree Project is a living tribute to Black communities and their ancestral connection to trees and the natural world. The project is a collective working across multiple sites to document the trees that have carried stories across the African Diaspora throughout time. Trees documented in this project span several areas in the United States, as well as in St. Croix. These trees have stood through generations as living archives for Black history. Check out the website linked below to view some of the amazing stories of the lives of these trees and how they connect to the community!

https://blackheritagetrees.com/

08/19/2026

Check out the next lecture in the Sam Noble lecture series today from 12-1pm! In this lecture, the speakers will talk about the events that led to the formation of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and its conservation districts, and how they continue to serve Oklahomans today.

08/12/2026

Do you have archaeological research to present? Don’t miss the August 15th paper and poster abstracts deadline for the Texas Archeological Society Annual Meeting in Denton, Texas. TAS encourages presentations by avocational, student, academic, and professional archaeologists on any topic of archaeological interest. All presenters must be TAS members and be registered for the Annual Meeting. For more information, visit the TAS website at the link below!

https://txarch.org/Annual-Meeting

08/05/2026

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) currently provides a structured process for review and protection of the historic places we love. Under the proposed Section 106 changes, there would be a lack of communication and collaboration with important stakeholders including Tribal Nations, local governments, the public, and interested parties. This would create a system in which stakeholders do not get to participate in the planning of projects.

So why does this matter for everyone? The change would result in the removal of historic properties under the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This would include places of public interest such as public parks, cemeteries, neighborhoods, and homes. The proposed changes no longer require the inclusion of meaningful dialogue with community stakeholders regarding changes in status of historic sites. To stay informed on this topic, follow the NATHPO page and learn more at the links below!

https://culturalheritagepartners.com/war-room-for-threats-to-section-106/

https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-enr-members-release-statement-urging-advisory-council-on-historic-preservation-to-reject-rule-gutting-tribal-consultation

Late last week, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation shared sweeping draft revisions to the Section 106 regulations under the National Historic Preservation Act, with the expectation that Council members vote on them by Friday, July 24. Section 106 is one of the primary tools Tribal Nations and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) use to protect sacred places and cultural resources.

These proposed regulations are not a technical adjustment. They would fundamentally weaken the role of Tribal Nations and THPOs in the Section 106 process. They would also undermine the consideration and protection of sacred places, cultural landscapes, and the traditions and practices connected to them. NATHPO is deeply concerned that changes of this magnitude are being advanced without giving Tribal Nations a meaningful opportunity to review the proposal, understand its consequences, and make their voices heard before the Council acts.

NATHPO is coordinating with Tribal representatives, legal experts, and national preservation partners to assess the proposed revisions and determine an appropriate path forward. We are also convening Tribal forums to provide information, hear directly from Tribal Nations and THPOs, and ensure their concerns guide our response. Those forums, open to Tribal Leaders, THPOs, and other Tribal government employees, will take place July 21 and July 28.

NATHPO will continue working to ensure that Tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility, and the rights of Indian Tribes are not disregarded in this process. The federal preservation system cannot be weakened at the expense of meaningful Tribal participation or the places and practices Tribal Nations have carried forward since time immemorial.

08/01/2026

In August, we recognize Black Business Month, a time to support Black-owned enterprises and small businesses alike, recognize the impact of their entrepreneurship on the economy and community, and acknowledge the ongoing challenges that still exist. Visit the National Directory of Black-Owned Businesses at the link below to find local Black businesses you can support.
Check out the calendar to see what is going on at museums in your area this month!

Don’t miss the last week (August 1-7) of the Gilcrease’s Indigenous Independence: America at 250 exhibit, highlighting the rare books, manuscripts, and art that present the American Revolution as more than just a sudden break from Great Britain. These items help illustrate the long history of struggle between American colonists and Native nations. Visit the Gilcrease website for more information.

On August 7th kick off your weekend at Philbrook's Music at the Museum with live music by local musicians. Soak up the vibrant sounds and take in the beauty of the Gardens. Admission is just $5 after 5pm for non-members, so grab your friends, bring your family, and experience the perfect blend of music, culture, and community.

On August 19th, learn more about the history of conservation districts and conservation practices in Oklahoman, as part of the Sam Noble lecture series. In this lecture, the speakers will talk about the events that led to the formation of the Soil Conservation Service (now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service), the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and its conservation districts, and how these agencies continue to serve Oklahomans today. Register ahead for this free event at the Sam Noble’s Events page!

https://www.buyblack.org/

07/28/2026

Join us in celebrating World Nature Conservation Day to raise global awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources, preserving ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices. Much like Anthropology, this day highlights the connection between humans and the environment, as well as the need to protect the planet’s biodiversity from threats like climate change, deforestation, and pollution for future generations. As part of this day, think about what steps you can take to lessen the impact on the environment around you!

07/24/2026

Ecological anthropology is the study of the relationship between humans and their environments. It examines how societies adapt to ecological conditions, use natural resources, and how they are shaped by the ecosystems they inhabit. The field of ecological anthropology combines insights from anthropology, ecology, archaeology, geography, and environmental science to understand both past and present human-environment interactions.

07/18/2026

This month, as part of Sam Noble’s lecture series, learn about the Moths of Oklahoma! Oklahoma has an incredible diversity of moths, from microscopic specks of glitter to North America’s largest species, reaching up to 7 inches in wingspan. Zach DuFran will present on the importance of these winged creatures and the effort to better understand the full spectrum of species that live in our great state. This event is free and open to the public!

https://samnoblemuseum.ou.edu/calendar/moths-of-oklahoma/

07/08/2026

Digventures is hosting a crowdfunded dig of one of Lancashire’s finest Georgian houses that you can be a part of. Hidden History at Lytham Hall July 21-26, 2026 is a project with unique opportunities for the public to make discoveries alongside archaeologists in Lancashire, England. Lytham Hall has stood proudly for centuries on its sweeping estate, but beneath the beautiful lawns and gardens, a forgotten piece of history is waiting to be unearthed.
Get involved with others who love archaeology and history like you, and learn more at the link below!

https://digventures.com/projects/lytham-hall/crowdfund/

07/01/2026

Join us in recognizing Unity in Diversity as the theme for South Asian Heritage Month in July. This month is dedicated to commemorating, celebrating and educating on the histories, cultures and contributions of South Asian communities. Visit the South Asian Heritage Trust website for more information on celebrating the people and culture of South Asia Also, take a moment to see what events the Sam Noble Museum and museums near you are hosting!

Visit the Sam Noble on the 20th for the Museum- Ology event. This event is designed for children ages 9 to 12, is Museum-Ology, where kids can explore the work of real museum scientists, and get an inside peek at a variety of science fields from Anthropology to Zoology. They will investigate with the help of Sam Noble’s own museum scientists.

This month on the 21st, as part of Sam Noble’s lecture series, learn about the Moths of Oklahoma! Oklahoma has an incredible diversity of moths, from microscopic specks of glitter to North America’s largest species, reaching up to 7 inches in wingspan. Zach DuFran will present on the importance of these winged creatures and the effort to better understand the full spectrum of species that live in our great state. This event is free and open to the public!

In the This is Archaeology: AI Mapping of Historic Landscapes talk on the 22nd, Iris Kramer with the Council for British Archaeology, will detail how ArchAI combines earthwork detection from LIDAR with habitat mapping from historic survey maps to create practical evidence for land managers and planners as they use the data gathered to complete projects such as planting trees without accidentally damaging the historic environment. Visit the Events calendar at the Council for British Archaeology website for more information on this Zoom talk.