An Administrative History of the Chaco Project

This report describes development of the Chaco Project, a long-term program of archaeological and historical research centered on the cultural resources in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The text summarizes the goals and objectives of the program and how it came to be managed. The early years of the project are described, including information from interviews with some of the individuals who shaped the project. Also described are problems which later emerged as the program grew and changed. This document reviews the program’s achievements and potential contributions to future park cultural resource management. On occasion, in the telling of this story, it may be necessary to explore events of a non-administrative nature, to report on the chronological sequencing of archeological excavations, as well as on field conditions. This information should help to clarify the tightly knit relationship between park and project management staff. This account of the program is intended to park and regional managers, cultural and natural resources professionals, and planners to gain insights into problems, solutions, successes, and failures of long-term, systematic, mission oriented research.