Purpose
 The Maya Research Program is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that sponsors archaeological and ethnographic research in Central and South America. Each summer since 1992, we have sponsored archaeological fieldwork at the ancient Maya site of Blue Creek in northwestern Belize. In the past several years we have added important new programs in Mexico and Peru.
Our goal is, first and foremost, to conduct research that adds to the body of scholarly knowledge and helps us better understand the past of the complex ancient societies of the Americas. Many of our affiliated scholars are internationally recognized as leaders in their fields. Recent support has come from the National Geographic Society, the National Science Foundation, the Foundation for the Advancement of Meso-american Studies, the Heinz Foundation, and the American Council of Learned Societies.
Another key MRP goal is to encourage the participation of students and volunteers -- anyone who wants to experience the real world of archaeological or anthropological research and understand how we learn about other cultures. We see this as a critical educational component of MRP's work, and it helps us accomplish our research goals as well! The ages of our participants range from 18 to over 80. So many of our participants return year after year that MRP has become something of an extended family. About half of our participants are university students under 30 years old, and about a quarter each are mid-career professionals and retirees. While the majority of participants come from the United States and Canada, we have students from European, Latin American, and Japanese institutions as well. For students, academic credit can usually be arranged. While many students go on to careers in other fields, many go on to become successful graduate students in archaeology or a related field. Some return to focus on MRP projects for their theses and dissertations.
Maya Research Program
1910 E SE Loop 323t
#296
Tyler, Texas 75701
A 501 (c)3 Non Profit Organization.
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