Archaeology is the scientific study of how people lived in the past through the objects they left behind. The Burke Museum Archaeology Collections include more than one million objects from around the world, although our research and exhibits focus on cultural materials from the Pacific Rim (the area surrounding the Pacific Ocean and the islands within).

We are best known for our collections of artifacts from the Lower Columbia River and the Puget Sound Region of Washington State. Many of our artifacts are held in-trust for public agencies to better promote research and access to these collections.

Use the menu above to learn more about Archaeology at the Burke and check in regularly with our special features and news items below to keep up with what is new in our department.

Archaeology in the News Repatriation of the Stone T'xwelátse Learn about the repatriation of the Stone T'xwelátse to the Nooksack Tribe.	Adopt-a-Basket Help save artifacts from a Washington State archaeological site! Learn more about the Biederbost Site and what you can do to preserve ancient basketry.	Summer Research Fellowship The Burke Museum Archaeology Research Fellowship (BMARF) is available to both graduate and undergraduate students. Download this PDF to learn more!
Web Exhibits The Archaeology of Seattle's West Point This award-winning Web exhibit tells the story of a remarkable archaeological find and the people who lived in Seattle's Discovery Park 4,000 years ago.	Kennewick Man on Trial Find out what has been learned from the remains popularly known as "Kennewick Man" and find links to resources.