Research & Projects

Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wanhi Yukan GPR Pilot Study

In collaboration with the Mower County Historical Society, the Center for Anthropological Services is conducting a pilot study of the effectiveness of ground penetrating radar (GPR) at an open-pit chert quarry in southeastern Minnesota. In addition to generous support from the Mower County Historical Society, and expert input from previous researchers at the site, this project has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

The Grand Meadow Chert Quarry page at the Mower County Historical Society 

Mountain Iron Cemetery Project

The Center for Anthropological Services is currently under contract to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Lands and Minerals to develop a plan to address risks to a late 19th to early 20th century cemetery posed by the erosion of a disused open pit mine. Please click on the links below to learn more about the project or to contact us.

About the Mountain Iron Cemetery Project 

Contact Us 


Four views of a piece of worked pipestone. This object was sawn partially through on two faces and broken off from a larger piece.

Red Rock Ridge Research Group

The Red Rock Ridge Research Group is made up of Indigenous elders and archaeologists that have been researching the cultural sites on the Red Rock Ridge, including Jeffers Petroglyphs, for twenty-five years. We have practiced Indigenous-centered archaeology with a primary goal of preserving the Ridge’s cultural sites and the integrity of their sacred landscape. 

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Hamline History Project

Since 2004, Hamline students have been conducting archaeological excavations on the Hamline campus and in the surrounding HamlineMidway neighborhood. Excavations have included the site of the Hall of Science (18881971) in what is now the Blue Garden, the original Hamline Methodist Church (19001925), and a section of the Territorial Road (ca.1840s 1860s) running from Saint Paul to Manitoba.

Since 2013, work has focused on the remains of the home of the Warner family (1881abt. 1897) located beneath the lawn immediately to the east of Bush Library. Excavation in 2022 uncovered parts of the house foundation and family privy. In addition to excavation, students will play a role in site mapping, laboratory analysis, and public interpretation. Students can participate in the project by enrolling in Excavating Hamline History ANTH 3810, taught during the Fall semester on alternate years.  Interested students should contact Professor Brian Hoffman (bhoffman@hamline.edu) for additional information.

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3d scans