The Western Heritage Museum Complex will house The Southeastern New Mexico Archaeological (Research/Resource) Center and Museum which is being established to pursue, present and preserve the archaeological record of Southeastern New Mexico and to continue the research and collection of resource materials to interpret the past and provide a secure and permanent location for the distribution of the information gathered through exhibits and public programming. It is often difficult to understand and appreciate those things you cannot see. The purpose of the archaeological center is to generate an interest in and support for the archaeology of Southeastern New Mexico (SENM). With 12,000 years of human occupation and over five centuries of historical records to draw from, SENM has finally been recognized as one of the most culturally and environmentally rich localities to be found in the southwestern portion of the United States. The proposed archaeological center is in a unique position to become a model to fulfill the educational role for professional and avocational researchers, area school children and tourists to better understand and appreciate past cultures and the environment they were experiencing. The diversity of the flora and fauna and the evidence of prehistoric and historic sites and materials must be sought and properly recorded to be useful to this and future generations. Because of the fluctuating surface features, it is often a challenge just to find many of the elements that need to be preserved. Much of the land is covered with shifting sands and therefore geological, paleontological, botanical and archaeological specimens and artifacts are either covered or often not in situ (in their original positions/locations). The proposed archaeological center and museum would:

• Conduct the legal collecting of three dimensional objects and materials especially when they are in danger of being destroyed
• Assemble records and information and previously collected artifacts where there is at least some provenience
• Engage in emergency and /or discovery excavations when those needs and opportunities arise
• Participate in cooperative surveys with the state, federal and professional representative in the course of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) endeavors; thus creating a resource for use by anyone carrying out responsible research in the region utilizing the voluminous amount of information available from the State Archaeologist’s office so concentrations of cultural resources can be better predicted
• Develop interpretive programs and exhibits for regional school systems, students in higher education, avocational organizations and tourists

It is rare to have the opportunity to become a model for pursuing, procuring, preparing, preserving, presenting and promoting the archaeological record of a particular region. The Archaeological Center and Museum can become an example of a regional repository with the staff and resources available to not only respond quickly and work with professionals in the field but also to educate the public as to the importance of protecting our cultural heritages.