Linking archaeology and material studies through multidisciplinary collaboration

About Us

In 2012 we launched the Cornell Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies (CIAMS), a unique initiative that links archaeology and material studies through multidisciplinary collaboration among a wide range of departments and units. The new Institute grows out of Cornell’s long-standing Archaeology Program. Founded in 1967, the Archaeology Program is one of the few entities in the United States to offer both an undergraduate major and master’s degree in archaeology. We seek to combine theory and method, practice and analysis.

Explore Our Program

Administration and Contacts History of CIAMS Academic Programs Faculty Profiles

Cornell branded notebook with archaeological digging tools

Giving to CIAMS:

Archaeology has always depended on private and public philanthropy. You can support a variety of excavations, student research, and Cornell archaeology generally, with your tax deductible, charitable donation. Whether you’re a philanthropist, charity, parent or just concerned individual who wants to invest in the future of education and research while discovering the past, giving is easy by following this link:

Click here to support CIAMS archaeology

Archaeology News

A&S secures gifts, embarks on McGraw Hall renovation

1/30/2023

The refurbishment and preservation of McGraw has become a top priority for the College of Arts & Sciences and the university.

Excavation uncovers 2K more artifacts at St. James church site

12/09/2022

This semester’s work also featured an end-of-semester mini-field course for local children and youth presented by two Cornell students.

Fictional civilization leaves behind lasting legacy

12/07/2022

Llhuros – its relics, rituals, poetry, and music – as well as the academic commentary it inspired, "documents just one tiny little sliver of Cornell’s history. But it’s a fascinating one.”

test unit at St. James — Figure 1. The test unit; a one-meter by one-meter square. MyKayla Williamson

A Day Digging at St. James AME Zion Church

12/04/2022

Join CIAMS M.A. student MyKayla Williamson on a day digging at St. James and a day analyzing ceramic artifacts in the lab.

Jerry Rescue Monument, Syracuse NY (From visitsyracuse.com/)

Community Resistance and Community Archaeology- St. James AME Zion Church and the Underground Railroad in Ithaca, NY

12/04/2022

Cornell student Jonathan Ebenezer ‘23 discusses the role of community resistance on the Underground Railroad as it relates to St. James.

Raspberry (Rupus sp.) carbonized seed remains.

Faith the Size of a Berry Seed

12/04/2022

Cornell student Milan Taylor ’24 speaks with Maia Dedrick, Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellow, about paleoethnobotany work conducted at St. James.

students excavating a test unit — SMSA students participating in excavations at St. James AME Zion Church in Fall 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Science and Mathematics Academy Saturday STEM Program.)

More to Archaeology than Digging

12/03/2022

Cornell student Aaliyah Brown '23 talks with SMSA founder Denise Lee '73 about engaging youth in the excavations at St. James.

participants screen for artifacts at St. James — Local community members and Cornell Professor Lori Khatchadourian working together to collect artifacts from the screen. Carol Anne Barsody

Building Community Connections through Archaeology

12/03/2022

CIAMS M.A. student Carol Anne Barsody shares her experiences participating in the excavations at St. James.

More News

Alumni Spotlight: Samuel Disotell

Congratulations to former CIAMS M.A. student Samuel Disotell (M.A. '21), who successfully defended his master's thesis this past December. Sam's thesis is titled, "An Analysis of Faunal Materials From the White Springs Site, a 17th-18th Century Seneca Town in Upstate New York." Sam's research interests are in zooarchaeology; ritual, ceremony and feasting; inequality; and Neolithic Europe. Sam was also a founding member of the Archaeological Science Group at Cornell, one of two graduate groups affiliated with CIAMS.

Click here to explore profiles of our current CIAMS graduate students, and here to view a list of our CIAMS alumni and their thesis and dissertation titles.