Alfred W. Bowers Laboratory of Anthropology

Established in 1982, the AACC aids researchers in identifying Asian American artifacts, especially those related to 19th- and early 20th-century Chinese and Japanese immigrant communities in the West. It includes nearly 11,000 artifacts, propaganda materials, historical images and a research library. The AACC is open by appointment and supported by donations.

This experimental archaeology collection includes approximately 8,000 stone tools and flintknapping samples created by Don Crabtree, a pioneering lithic technologist. It is complemented by his personal library, research notes and photographic records. The collection supports the Crabtree Scholarship, awarded annually to students studying stone artifacts and related technologies.

Learn more about the Crabtree Collection

The Northern Repository preserves a wide range of archaeological materials including artifacts, maps, field notes, photographic records, site forms, reports and supporting documentation from surveys, tests and excavations throughout northern Idaho.

Counties covered by the Northern Repository include:

• Benewah
• Bonner
• Boundary
• Clearwater
• Idaho
• Kootenai
• Latah
• Lewis
• Nez Perce
• Shoshone

Access to some collections is available for legitimate scientific, educational and religious purposes, in accordance with federal and state confidentiality laws. At this time, the laboratory is only open to the public by appointment.

To access materials:

• Contact the collections manager for more information or to schedule an appointment.
• If applicable, submit a research request with the associated tribal nations and/or government partners.
• Submit a current CV or resume and complete confidentiality agreements.
• Study of collections is encouraged on-site at the Bowers Lab. Off-site loans are available under strict conditions and may require additional insurance.
• Research using repository collections must properly acknowledge the Archaeological Survey of Idaho, the collection owner and associated tribal nations. Two copies of any resulting publication must be provided to the repository.

We appreciate your help in following repository guidelines to maintain access and preserve the integrity of the collections for future research.

Collections must be curated in a way that preserves their research integrity and long-term value:

• Materials must be kept organized by research project and site — mixing different projects or submitting partial collections is not permitted.
• Collections are organized into groups based on material sensitivity to temperature and humidity (Groups A-E).
• Fragile, valuable or unique objects should be separated and clearly identified upon delivery.

All collections submitted for curation must include a hard copy catalogue. Catalogues must:

• List each artifact or lot’s catalogue number, object description, material type, condition, measurements and provenience.
• Be recorded on acid-free or archival-quality paper using permanent ink or #2 pencil.
• Clearly distinguish diagnostic artifacts, which should be catalogued individually.
• Reflect provenience accurately for future research use.

Artifacts must be cleaned under proper laboratory conditions before labeling. Key practices include:

• Use dry methods whenever possible; avoid extensive washing or abrasive cleaning, especially for fragile materials.
• Apply labels using reversible materials such as India ink protected by a varnish layer.
• For very small or delicate items, label accompanying containers rather than the artifact itself.
• Never use materials like White-Out, Liquid Paper or non-archival adhesives.

Proper conservation and packaging are required prior to submission:

• Any conservation treatments must be documented, including methods and materials used.
• Only reversible adhesives and conservation-grade materials should be used.
• Artifacts should be packaged using acid-free tissue, polyethylene bags (perforated if necessary) and acid-free storage boxes.
• Each container must be clearly labeled with project and site information.

Organic materials (such as bone, wood or textiles) require additional care and specialized packaging to ensure long-term preservation.

All curated collections must be accompanied by complete project documentation, including:

• Field notes, laboratory records, catalogues, photographs and final or interim reports.
• Maps, drawings and photographic materials stored in archival-quality containers.
• Any associated permits, grants or contracts.
• Computer-generated catalogues must include printed copies and metadata for retrieval.

Careful organization of documentation ensures the collections remain accessible for future researchers and educators.