About Us and Our Mission
Founded in 1997, the Boundary End Archaeology Research Center (BEARC) is a unique space for learning, artistry and creative gathering, set in a beautiful small valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Our residency programs allow scholars, writers and artists to be productive and creative in a tranquil setting. Our meeting space is ideal for small educational programs, conferences, workshops and small gatherings. These have usually focused on anthropology and archeology, regional culture and history, but we are interested in welcoming many diverse programs.
BEARC was established as a scholarly retreat, library and meeting space place by Dr. George Stuart, former Associate Editor of the National Geographic Magazine. It was originally conceived as the Boundary End Archaeology Research Center, reflecting George’s deep passion for the study of America’s ancient past. Today we carry on George’s legacy in expanding BEARC’s scope and vision to include many areas in the arts and humanities.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more about how to support us.
George Stuart
(1935–2014)
George Stuart, who participated in many of the most important investigations of Mesoamerican sites as staff archaeologist at the National Geographic Society, and brought the discoveries to a global readership as a senior editor at the magazine, died June 11 at his home in Barnardsville, North Carolina. He was 79 years old. In the course of a nearly 40-year career at the Geographic, as well as after retirement, Stuart helped shape the field of Maya studies; his contributions included work on the ruins of Coba, Dzibilchaltún, Balankanche Cave, and others. He also served as vice president for research and exploration, overseeing millions of dollars in research grants every year. “George was a cheerleader for Maya studies and a champion of supporting Maya research,” said Jeremy Sabloff, president of the Santa Fe Institute and a past president of the Society for American Archaeology. Stuart’s books, including The Mysterious Maya and Lost Kingdoms of the Maya (both written with his first wife, Gene), Ancient Mexico, and Ancient Pioneers, as well as articles in National Geographic, introduced that world to a broad audience. He also co-authored Palenque: Eternal City of the Maya with his son David, an eminent scholar and professor in Mesoamerican studies at the University of Texas. -Excerpted from National Geographic Profile
Programs and Publications
Boundary End offers short-term opportunities for scholars, artists and other creative individuals to reside and work at Boundary End. These usually involve topics related to its core mission in the study of the ancient Americas, and allow access to the library and workspaces of the center. There are two types of residencies. Boundary End Residencies range from a few days to one month (four weeks). The George Stuart Residencies, named after the founder of Boundary End, are longer terms of up to three months, or a single academic term. Neither residency program comes with a stipend or other financial support, and lodging and use of the research materials of the Center are free of charge. Residential scholars are usually expected to offer a public presentation (live and/or streamed online) related to their activities.
We also regularly host events related to Boundary End's mission. We have a 1000 square foot open and airy classroom space with tables and chairs for you to use.
Boundary End Archaeology Research Center is the home of two important publications series in archaeology, Ancient America and Research Reports on Ancient Maya Writing. Both series have been key outlets for important research and breakthroughs in ancient Mesoamerican studies.
BEARC publications can be purchased by clicking on the button below.