About Us

Dr. Timothy D. Maxwell, Director Emeritus

Tim Maxwell Dr. Timothy D. Maxwell, Director Emeritus
OAS Research Associate
tim_maxwell@newmexico.com

In 1978 I joined the Laboratory of Anthropology as an assistant archaeologist. I had previously worked for the School of American Research at Abiquiu Reservoir under Curt Schaafsma. The Lab sent me on projects throughout New Mexico—Tucumcari, Roswell, Gallina, Navajo Reservoir, El Malpais, and the lower Rio Chama. The Rio Chama led me to develop an interest in prehistoric farming, and I completed my Ph.D. on that topic, working in both the Rio Chama and the Zuni region.

Shortly after I became director of the Office of Archaeological Studies in 1990, the organization became a new division of the Museum of New Mexico. I also worked to establish the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and Friends of Archaeology, and collaborated with staff to develop an education outreach program. I also became involved with the Mexican government on a joint research project in the Casas Grandes region of northern Mexico. You can read about that project at http://www.timmaxwell.us.

In 1987 I coauthored Santa Fe's archaeological ordinance and successfully worked for its passage. I'm still involved in community preservation issues, serving on the board of the Old Santa Fe Association and the State of New Mexico Cultural Properties Review Committee. I am president of the New Mexico Archeological Council for 2008. So, in retirement, I am still keeping very busy.