Maya Research Program

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Summer 2024: Blue Creek Archaeological Project: Field School

The Maya Research Program (MRP) is a non-profit organization (501 C3) that sponsors archaeological and ethnographic research in Middle America. Each summer since 1992, MRP has supported archaeological research in northwestern Belize. The Blue Creek Archaeological Project includes research at the sites of Blue Creek, Grey Fox, Nojol Nah, Tulix Mul, Tz'unun, and Xnoha, (You can read many MRP publications here.)

MRP has been instrumental in documenting and protecting numerous Maya sites in northwestern Belize. Over 3000 students and volunteers have participated in the project in the past 28 years. The current
Blue Creek project team includes faculty members and graduate students from over a dozen universities worldwide and is affiliated with the University of Texas at Tyler.

The summer of 2024 marks MRP’s Blue Creek Archaeological Project’s 29th archaeological field season in northwestern Belize.  MRP is proud to support a vast range of talented researchers from across the globe under this project’s umbrella. Our research associates include not only archaeologists, but also accomplished professionals in fields such as soil science, geoarchaeology, geography, conservation, bioarchaeology, botany, and anthropology.

From June to July, MRP hosts multiple two-week sessions for students and volunteers at Blue Creek. The MRP general field school provides participants with hands-on training in the fundamentals of archaeological field techniques. Participants will gain training and experience in archaeological excavation methods, manual and digital recording techniques, artifact recovery, processing and analysis.

For more information on what to expect at MRP's archaeological field school - such as daily activities, housing, what to pack, etc - please review MRP's participant guide (
You can download the guide here.).

Scholarships and fellowships are available. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for a MRP scholarship to offset their costs. The submission deadline is March 15, 2024.

2024 Field Season Dates:
Enrollment is open for our 2024 field season.

  • Session 1: June 3rd - June 16th, 2024

  • Session 2: June 17th - June 30th, 2024

  • Session 3: July 1st - July 14th, 2024


  • Enrollment Process:


    The maximum number of participants for each 2-week session ranges from 20 to 25 students and volunteers. To enroll, the applicant should forward an enrollment form and deposit to the Maya Research Program. (Please note that you must provide proof that you have received a COVID vaccine (and applicable boosters) to participate in the project.)

    You can email these forms to Dr. Thomas Guderjan at mrpinquiries@gmail.com or via postal mail to 1910 East Southeast Loop 323 #296, Tyler, Texas, 75701.

    Cost:

    A special first-session rate of $1750 is available to students currently enrolled in an accredited University or College. Students are encouraged to apply for a MRP scholarship to reduce their costs.

    The donation for a single two-week session for non-students is $1850 USD.

    If more than one session is desired, the donation is $1450 for each additional session (for both students and non-students).

    A non-refundable deposit of $250 per session is required to hold your spot. Participants are responsible for their travel costs to Belize.

    If a student wishes to receive academic credit, tuition costs (via the University of Texas at Tyler or their home institution) will apply in addition to the required donation to the Maya Research Program

    For more information on what to expect at the MRP field school - such as daily activities, housing, what to pack, etc -
    please review MRP's participant guide (you can download the guide here).

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    Additional Information:

    You can read numerous MRP publications are
    here.
    You can also download MRP's Participant Guide
    here.

    Interested in joining the team? Call 817-831-9011 or email Dr. Tom Guderjan : mrpinquiries@gmail.com