The Community Archaeologist (TCA) is a born-digital magazine dedicated to making archaeology more collaborative, accessible, and responsive to the communities it serves. We publish stories, reflections, and research that center people and places with a touchstone in Oklahoma—highlighting how heritage is lived, remembered, and reimagined today.

Founded through the Oklahoma Public Archaeology Network (OKPAN), TCA was created to address the persistent barriers that shape who gets to publish, whose voices are heard, and how knowledge is shared in archaeology. Too often, traditional publishing has been closed off to community partners, students, and practitioners working outside of academia. TCA responds to that gap by offering a platform where diverse perspectives and practices are not only welcomed but essential.

Our editorial model is grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and care. We see publishing as a form of service: a way to amplify underrepresented voices, encourage dialogue across boundaries, and foster growth for both emerging and established contributors. Each issue is curated to feature accessible writing, thoughtful storytelling, and work that bridges scholarship, practice, and lived experience.

TCA is not just a magazine—it is a methodological intervention in how archaeology is written, shared, and valued. By bringing together community members, scholars, heritage professionals, and students, we aim to create a space where publishing becomes an act of co-learning and accountability.

We invite you to explore our issues, contribute your voice, and join us in imagining archaeology as a more public, just, and inclusive practice.