Colorado Archaeological Society

The Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS) is dedicated to providing information about our member chapters, activities, projects, officers, and volunteer opportunities. 

Colorado is rich in archaeological environments, including the plains, mountains, foothills, pueblo, as well as prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, which provide many opportunities for exciting and challenging experiences.

Click on the links at the side for information about the state organization, some of the member chapters, and affiliated organizations. 

Chapter information generally includes the schedule of upcoming programs and other activities, picture exhibits of some of the interesting activities, contact information for the officers, etc. 

The Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS) came into existence in 1935 as a focus for people having interests in the history and prehistory of humans in Colorado. The Chipeta Chapter, in Montrose, CO, was also founded in 1935 and is the oldest continuously-active chapter. Subsequently, other groups were established in other Colorado cities, and a state office was created.

This collective interest in archaeology led to the establishment of the office of the State Archaeologist within the state government.

CAS became involved in all phases of archaeology and members realized the need for training in the various aspects of what they were doing. Consequently they started training programs to meet these needs. Originally, qualified CAS members provided such training for the other members. After the establishment of the office of the State Archaeologist, that office undertook providing such training. It has now evolved into the Program for Avocational Archaeological Certification (PAAC), taught by the eminently well-qualified Assistant State Archaeologist. PAAC offers training at each of the CAS Chapters several times in each year, in classes covering a wide range of topics.

Now, with a history of more than 65 years, CAS has twelve Chapters throughout Colorado and has developed many programs, research projects and activities.