Utah Archaeology Podcast

Utah State Historic Preservation Office

Welcome to the Utah Archaeology Podcast, brought to you by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office. Join us every month as we explore the rich history and prehistory of this fascinating western state. From ancient cultures and unexpected artifact finds to forgotten stories and modern preservation science, we dig into everything archaeology across the Beehive State. New episodes drop monthly. Hit subscribe and unearth Utah’s past with us!

  1. Jul 30

    Who Were the Fremont? Decoding Utah’s Ancient Culture

    The Utah Archaeology Podcast welcomes its new host, Chris Merritt! Chris is the State Historic Preservation Officer for Utah and an archaeologist by training. In this season's inaugural episode, Chris sits down with archaeologist Elizabeth Hora to unpack the enduring mystery and vibrant legacy of Utah’s Fremont culture. Together, they explore the realities behind the Fremont name, the science of recreating ancient ochre pigments, and what prehistoric rock writing reveals about territorial life in the Uinta Basin.

    Who Were the Fremont? Decoding Utah’s Ancient Culture

  2. Jul 30

    Pages of the Past: The Archaeology of Rare Books

    Exploring books as physical artifacts, this episode features Lyuba Basin, Rare Books Librarian at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library, as she uncovers the history behind the overland trail guides that shaped early Utah. The conversation delves into the delicate science of preservation, offering practical advice for anyone looking to safeguard their own family treasures.

    Pages of the Past: The Archaeology of Rare Books

  3. Jul 30

    Fighting, Mining and Cowboying: Utah’s Combat Sport Heritage

    How did an old dumbbell buried under Alta Ski Resort lead us to Utah’s combat sports history? Join us as we dive into the state's fight legacy, spanning early mining-camp brawls, Jack Dempsey’s formative bouts, and today's booming MMA scene. Special guests include Javier Jones (Coach, Ultimate Combat Training Center) and Scott Bowler (Director, Pete Suazo Athletic Commission).

    Fighting, Mining and Cowboying: Utah’s Combat Sport Heritage

  4. Jun 17

    Digital Storytelling & Indigenous Heritage

    This episode features James Cawley, Creative Director of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. We explore his work in historical storytelling and the vital role digital platforms play in preserving and sharing indigenous heritage today.

  5. May 6

    History & Evolution of Utah Tattoo Culture

    In this episode of the Utah Archaeology Podcast, we’re peeling back the layers of the Beehive State’s inked past. We sit down with CJ Fishburn (artist, owner of Look Look Tattoo, and curator of a local tattoo museum) to trace Utah’s evolution from an underground subculture to a thriving cultural legacy. From the hidden history of the local scene to the deep symbolism of American Traditional and Japanese motifs, discover how skin became a canvas for Utah’s story.

  6. Mar 3

    Cultural Stewardship During the Federal Government Shutdown

    During last year’s historic federal shutdown, UCSS volunteers stepped up to defend Utah’s most vulnerable cultural sites. Join Utah Public Archaeology and the Director of Communications for the Utah Office of Tourism to hear the gripping "boots on the ground" story of how this rapid response protected our heritage, fueled the local economy, and kept recreation alive.

  7. Jan 27

    Between a rock and a historic place

    What do climbers and archaeology have in common? Listen to the newest episode of Utah’s Public Archaeology Podcast to find out how Utah’s climbing community is protecting our past.

  8. 12/16/2025

    The archaeology of sound: Restoring the iconic tabernacle organ

    Utah’s Public Archaeology Program invites you on a deep dive into the Salt Lake City Tabernacle Organ with  Emily Utt, Historic Sites Curator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Joseph Nielson, Curator of Organs at Temple Square. Discover its fascinating pioneer past and the complex project to restore its original sound, giving you a powerful, unparalleled acoustic experience this holiday season.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Utah Archaeology Podcast, brought to you by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office. Join us every month as we explore the rich history and prehistory of this fascinating western state. From ancient cultures and unexpected artifact finds to forgotten stories and modern preservation science, we dig into everything archaeology across the Beehive State. New episodes drop monthly. Hit subscribe and unearth Utah’s past with us!

Information

  • Creator
    Utah State Historic Preservation Office
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Utah Archaeology Podcast

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