The Archaeological Research Institute was established in 1995 as a unit of Arizona State University to undertake the preservation of archaeological materials and related data, to pursue research activities associated with the archaeological record, and to conduct educational programs to disseminate knowledge of the past to Arizona's citizens. ARI encourages and facilitates Native American involvement and training in curation management and museum operation.
Archaeological collections are a vital key to preserving the legacy and heritage of prehistory. Material traces of past cultures and the information encoded in them are limited, fragile, and incomplete. It is the responsibility of the archaeological community to protect these remains, interpret their meaning, and to make this knowledge available to all who are interested.
ARI is staffed and administered through Arizona State University and the Department of Anthropology as a facility providing integrated support for preservation, research, and public outreach in matters involving the archaeological record.
Archaeological materials curated at ARI are preserved in conformance with applicable governmental policies and procedures, and current professional standards. Collections at ARI are maintained according to high standards of curation including procedures based on many of the advancements of the field, particularly in curation, data collection, data management, access and transfer.
ARI facilitates scientific research through access to the archaeological collections, archives, and through the use of its facilities. ARI participates in and initiates research activities based on its collections for the purpose of expanding the scientific value of these materials and the knowledge base of the past. In these activities, ARI endeavors to advance new, state-of-the-art methodology for materials research in archaeology and to make its facilities and collections available to other researchers.
The public outreach activities conducted by ARI staff are intended to inform the widest possible audience on the activities of the repository and at the same time convey information on archaeology and central Arizona prehistory that will enhance public interest and respect for cultural materials. An important part of this program is Native American training activities to provide skills, a learning environment, and practical experience to interested Native American students and community members.
ARI maintains various collections that have been formally accessioned or accepted under written repository agreements, along with documents and other supporting materials. ARI provides for the long-term care and curation of archaeological materials, including artifacts, ecofacts, data, documents, and photographs recovered as part of Reclamation activities conducted within the boundaries of the Tonto National Forest in support of modifications to Theodore Roosevelt Dam and Safety of Dams projects on the Verde River.
ARI is located at 929 S. Mill Avenue, Building 150, Room 165, in the Tempe Center Shopping Plaza on the southeast corner of Mill and University. The facility is open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Visitors are encouraged to contact ARI in advance to ensure that the materials or people they wish to see are available at that time. Visitors to ARI may park in the Tempe Center parking lot.