Archaeological Services

The Laboratory of Valley Archaeology (LVA) offers a range of cultural resources management (CRM) services to facilitate compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Antiquities Code of Texas, and other local laws and regulations. We are registered and able to comply with the guidelines for archaeological survey as set forth by the Council of Texas Archaeologists (CTA) and adopted by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Staff meet or exceed the U.S. Secretary of Interior's standards for archaeological survey, testing, and mitigation.

Relationships with other units at UTRGV allow us to expand our services. This includes working with experts in the Forensic Anthropology Research (FAR) Lab and the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) program.

Three principles guide the LVA's approach to archaeological services.

  • First, offer services at competitive rates for clients in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. We are committed to ethically supporting the region's growth.
  • Second, provide hands-on training in best practices for CRM to students at UTRGV. We exist to serve our students and local communities.
  • Third, not compete with UTRGV graduates. We focus on smaller projects or those needing expertise rarely found in CRM firms.

See below for a summary of our various services.

Archaeological Services Summary

The LVA offers the following archaeological field services.

  • Archaeological Monitoring - involves the real-time observation of construction activities by trained archaeologists.
  • Cultural Resource Assessment Surveys (CRAS) - documenting, inventorying, and reporting on groups of cultural resources.
  • Digital (3D) Documentation - use of technologies to create accurate 3D models of sites, structures, and landscapes.
  • Mapping & Survey - we use cutting edge technologies to produce highly accurate and detailed maps.
  • NRHP Evaluations - thorough documentation of cultural resources to support determining eligibility for the national register.

The LVA offers the following laboratory services.

  • Artifact Analysis - identification of ceramic, lithic, and historic artifacts, including chemical fingerprinting via portable XRF.
  • 3D Scanning and Printing - creating and printing accurate 3D models of small, medium, and large objects.
  • Bioarchaeological and Osteological Analysis - partnerships with UTRGV's Forensic Anthropology Research (FAR) Lab supports this work.
  • Desktop Analysis - collection and organization of historical maps and aerials as well as other data to fully document the history of a cultural resource.
  • GIS Services - everything from producing maps for individual sites to updating predictive models for hundreds of thousands of acres.

The LVA offers the following public outreach services.

  • Exhibit Design - prototyping temporary or permanent exhibits, including interactive 3D mockups.
  • Exhibit Fabrication - bring your design to life by working with us and our subcontractors to build the physical exhibit.
  • Exhibit Installation - work with us to design interactive exhibits making use of the latest digital technologies.
  • Virtual Exhibits - everything from creating static webpages to Immersive, online virtual experiences.
  • Print Materials - access to students and community partners allows us to prototype booklets, brochures, and walking tours.