A hushed reverence hangs in the air. We stand before the School for Advanced Research. Its history whispers from the adobe walls.
The School for Advanced Research SAR isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the exploration of human history. Founded in 1907 as the School for American Archaeology it evolved. Its focus expanded beyond the Americas. It now embraces global scholarship in anthropology and related fields.
Imagine Alice Cunningham Fletcher a pioneering anthropologist. She envisioned a center dedicated to Americanist studies. Her vision combined with Edgar Lee Hewett’s passion for archaeology. Hewett a controversial but influential figure shaped the early years. He was instrumental in establishing Mesa Verde National Park.
The School for Advanced Research SAR played a crucial role. It trained many legendary archaeologists. Neil Judd Alfred V Kidder and Sylvanus Morley honed their skills here. Excavations at sites like Tyuonyi Ruin and Chaco Canyon shaped their careers. The school’s impact extended beyond the Southwest. It sponsored excavations in Mexico Guatemala and South America. It also played a vital role in preserving 22 Spanish missions.
The School for Advanced Research SAR wasn’t just about digging up the past. It actively promoted and preserved the artistic traditions of Southwestern Native Americans. Indian workers collaborated on excavations. This interaction fostered a recognition of their skills. Hewett and Kenneth Chapman supported Native artists providing studios and exhibiting their work. The first Southwest Indian Fair a precursor to the Santa Fe Indian Market was sponsored by SAR.
In 1973 the school moved to El Delirio. This beautiful adobe estate became its permanent home. It had been the home of the White sisters. They were renowned patrons of Native American art. Their legacy continues to influence SAR’s mission. The Indian Arts Research Center houses a significant collection of Southwest Indian art.
Today the School for Advanced Research SAR continues its mission. It offers residential fellowships for scholars and Native artists. It sponsors seminars and publishes its findings through SAR Press. The J I Staley Prize recognizes outstanding books in anthropology. The school is more than a research center. It’s a vibrant hub of intellectual and artistic exchange. It engages with the community through lectures tours and field trips. The School for Advanced Research SAR a place where the past present and future intertwine. It is a treasure of Santa Fe.