Michael D. Metcalf, Member at Large

Why I’m Involved:

My passion for embedding education in the practice of archaeology stems from three sources: public interest in field projects, involvement with K-12 students, and teaching introductory college courses.  A number of the archaeological “digs” I participated in were visible from public roads and inevitably people would stop out of curiosity.  Informal tours of our work became regular features of our projects and I loved sharing with an enthusiastic public.  And, as a practicing archaeologist with children in the public schools I was asked to come to the classroom to share information with students of all ages.  Local history was a feature of the Grade 3 curriculum and annual visits to elementary schools became a regular activity.  And over a 20 year period, I taught one or more introductory classes for the local branch of Colorado Mountain College.  These classes were attended by a mix of students, some beginning a college education, and others, particularly teachers, attending for continuing education.  Providing knowledge and resources to educators is highly effective. The public’s curiosity about our past is genuine and deep and it is satisfying to be part of people’s quest to be informed about our past.

Bio: Mike received his BA and MA (1974) in Anthropology from Colorado State University. He is a co-founder of Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc and along with running a successful business for more than 36 years, Mike has made continuing contributions to our knowledge of the prehistory of Colorado and surrounding regions. He has taught at the college level, authored numerous contract reports and publications, and has served on the boards of several professional societies. After retiring from day-to-day company management, he served on the board of Colorado Preservation Inc and also currently serves on the board of Paleocultural Research Group. He conducts occasional research and travels with his wife Sally and their dog, Zoey.