Archeological Services assists governmental agencies and their program clients to meet their statutory historic preservation responsibilities through the project review and compliance process. The section annually reviews nearly 4000 projects (such as new roads, sewer and water facilities, park improvements, shoreline erosion control projects, housing developments, and other actions) subject to federal or state historic preservation law, to assess the projects' potential effects on archeological sites. Archeological Services also handles archeological aspects of the Trust's financial assistance and easement programs — aiding grant recipients and easement owners in the sensitive treatment of archeological resources on their properties. For those archeological investigations conducted as a result of compliance, grant, or easement projects, the unit provides guidance and oversight to ensure that the work meets acceptable professional practices found in the Trust's Standards and Guidelines for Archeological Investigations in Maryland.

Archeological Services helps project sponsors and property owners fulfill their historic preservation responsibilities while meeting project, program, or individual goals. Through consultation with involved and interested parties, unit staff facilitate development of successful solutions for the avoidance, recovery, protection, or preservation of significant archeological resources. Archeological work conducted as a result of the protection and enhancement programs is making a major contribution to our understanding and preservation of Maryland's past. Hundreds of new sites are identified and recorded yearly, thousands of acres of land and water are surveyed, and numerous sites are protected for future generation to study and appreciate. Staff provides information and/or assistance on, among other things, how to hire an archeologist, what level of archeological investigation is appropriate for your project, and how to protect or sensitively treat archeological sites on your property or in your community.

If you need information or assistance on how to hire an archeologist, what level of archeological investigation is appropriate for your project, how to protect or sensitively treat archeological sites on your property or in your community, contact Elizabeth Cole, Administrator, at (410) 514-7631 or Dixie Henry, Preservation Officer, at (410) 514-7638.

Related Resources

Standards and Guidelines for Archeological Investigations in Maryland Standards and Guidelines, Technical Update No. 1: Collections and Conservation Standards Lists of Historic Preservation Consultants Maryland Archeological Site Survey Form* Maryland Archeological Site Survey Form* *NOTE: To submit archeology site forms, contact Jennifer Cosham at 410-514-7619. Maryland Archeological Site Survey Instructions Determination of Eligibility (DOE) Quick Reference Guide Archeology Determination of Eligibility (DOE) Database Form

Last updated: October 24, 2006