NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Antiquities

This booklet on the Antiquities Act is another in the series of training aids in interpretation prepared by Franklin G. Smith of the Washington Office. It is intended for use by superintendents, archeologists, naturalists, historians, and rangers; in fact, by any Service personnel who come in contact with the public.

Important in the priceless American heritage are the historic and prehistoric remains conserved and protected within Park and Monument areas for the benefit and enjoyment of all present and future Americans. Many of these same areas were originally set aside from the public domain as deserving special attention and protection by the Federal Government under the special provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906.

To preserve these priceless remains, it behooves the Service to be ever alert to opportunities for explaining to the visitor not only what the ruins are about, but also why it is important they should be preserved. Many otherwise public-minded citizens do not understand why they cannot excavate for old Indian "pots" or carry away souvenir pieces of historic structures. This booklet is designed to help the man most in contact with the public explain to the visitors the importance and necessity for the Service's policy on preservation and protection of our irreplaceable American heritage.

Conrad L. Wirth
Director