National Strategy for Federal Archeology

In 1990, the Secretary of the Interior directed the heads of bureaus and offices within the Department of the Interior to promote sound use and preservation of archeological sites that they manage or that their programs affect. The subsequent policy statement, issued in 1991, is the National Strategy for Federal Archeology (Strategy). The Strategy has been used by managers, archeologists, and other historic preservationists to support archeological programs and activities in the federal and private sector. The Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, and Energy, and the Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, have endorsed the National Strategy to focus more attention upon these kinds of activities.

View the official memorandum and read background in the article, A National Strategy for Federal Archeology.

The Strategy identifies the following areas of emphasis:

Preserve and Protect Archeological Sites in Place

• Identify, evaluate, and document sites
• Increase our understanding of the past and improve preservation through well-designed research
• Assess and document threats to sites and monitor their condition
• Prevent or slow deterioration of sites by stabilization and other means
• Combat looting with public awareness programs and effective legal strategies among archeologists, law enforcement officers, and public prosecutors

Conserve Archeological Collections and Records

• Locate collections and records, assess their condition, and conserve appropriately
• Identify actions needed to ensure long-term care of and access to collection and records
• Undertake, facilitate, and promote research using collections and records to better understand the past

Utilize and Share Archeological Research Results

• Synthesize research results, particularly from limited-distribution, technical reports, to advance scientific knowledge, further preservation, and better inform the public
• Facilitate use of archeological databases by managers and researchers
• Develop data standards to better share research results

Increase Outreach and Participation in Public Archeology

• Establish education programs as a regular agency function
• Interpret archeological research for the public in a way that is accurate and understandable
• Consider the views of diverse cultural groups when interpreting the past
• Engage the public in archeology through professionally directed volunteer programs