Dr. Roderick Sprague III, was perhaps best known as a NW Historic Archaeologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of Idaho, and Co-Editor of the Journal of Northwest Anthropology. His extensive field work was conducted in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona and Prince Edward Island. In 1986, he received both the University of Idaho Library Faculty Award for Outstanding Service and the Sigma Xi Published Research Paper Faculty Award. In 1996, he received the J.C. Harrington Medal, the highest international award in historical archaeology and the Carol Ruppe Service Award in 2004, both given by The Society for Historical Archaeology.
During his career he published more than 120 scientific papers and articles plus more than 100 unpublished reports to agencies specializing in historical archaeology, culture change theory and artifact analysis including such areas as glass trade beads and buttons. His significant work on Historical Archaeology in Washington includes the excavations at American and British Camps at the San Juan Historic Park.
The Sprague Research Library will not be "open for business" until the cataloging is complete. However, the museum can respond to general inquiries from those with an interest in the Sprague Library holdings.
More in-depth inquiries and researcher visits can be arranged for a nominal fee. For an appointment, please call 509-525-7703.