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Alberta Online Encyclopedia

Suggestions for Further Reading and Information:

New research on archaeology in Alberta is usually published in scholarly books and articles. These are available in research libraries such as university libraries and a few large public libraries such as the main branches of the Edmonton and Calgary Public Libraries.

There are several good overviews of archaeology in Alberta aimed at students and general readers with an interest in archaeological sites and the early history of Alberta. Readers should be aware, however, that archaeological theories can change very rapidly based on new finds. As a result, archaeology is one field in which it is very important to try to find the most recent and authoritative materials.

Provincial Museum of Alberta logoThe Provincial Museum of Alberta has produced an excellent self-guided walking tour of archaeological sites in the Edmonton area. This booklet by Heinz Pyszczyk, is entitled Archaeology Guide and Tour of Greater Edmonton Area is available at a nominal cost from the Provincial Museum. Gail Helgason's The First Albertans An Archaeological Search (Edmonton: Lone Pine, 1987) is a good overview of archaeological work in Alberta up to 1987. It is written to appeal to students and general readers, but new discoveries make some parts of this book out-dated. A more recent guide to archaeological sites throughout the province is particularly useful for people interested in visiting the places where archaeological discoveries have been made. Written by Barbara Huck and Douglas Whiteway, In Search of Ancient Alberta (Winnipeg: Heartland Publications, 1998) gives an overview of Alberta's earliest history as well as descriptions and analysis of specific sites.

Some of the best material on archaeology in Alberta is found in museums or at historic sites. The recently opened Syncrude Aboriginal Gallery at the Provincial Museum highlights several of Alberta's most important archaeological sites in exhibit dioramas. The Friends of the Provincial Museum maintain a website (http://www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca) that is also an excellent source of information on Alberta archaeology.

Head-Smashed-In from below. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, near Fort MacLeod, Alberta, combines an actual archaeological site with a fascinating interpretive centre. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in North America and it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A website (www.head-smashed-in.com) offers additional information on this site.

The Glenbow Museum, Art Gallery, Library and Archives logo. The Glenbow Museum (www.glenbow.org) and some regional museums also have good archaeological collections and exhibits. There is also a provincial association of archaeologists and archaeology enthusiasts, the Archaeological Society of Alberta, that interested individuals may want to contact.

to Archaeological Facts and Finds

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