author
Curtis D. Tunnell
d. 2001
A leading Texas archaeologist and preservationist, he spent decades uncovering the state's deep history and sharing it with the public. His work ranged from field excavations to public history, and his name still carries weight in Texas archaeology.
1 Audiobook
The Harroun Site: A Fulton Aspect Component of the Caddoan Area, Upshur County, Texas
by Edward B. Jelks, Curtis D. Tunnell
About the author
Born in Turkey, Texas, on January 24, 1934, Curtis Dale Tunnell became an archaeologist, preservationist, oral historian, and folklorist whose career was closely tied to the history of Texas. He studied at West Texas State College and later earned a master's degree in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin.
Tunnell served as Texas's first State Archeologist and later as executive director of the Texas Historical Commission. Over the years he worked on major excavations and preservation efforts across the state, including Spanish colonial sites, and became known not only for his field research but also for helping Texans connect with the past through writing, interviews, and public programs.
He died on April 13, 2001, at age 67. His influence continued after his death through his papers, published work, and the Curtis D. Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Archaeology, which honors major contributions to the field in Texas.