Partners

Dozens of federal agencies with land managing responsibilities undertake archeological activities as part of the Federal Archeology Program. The Secretary of the Interior is charged with providing general guidance and coordination for all federal archeology. The Departmental Consulting Archeologist carries out responsibilities for coordinating various activities on behalf of the Secretary.

With the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966 and the implementation of its requirements during the following decade, many Federal departments and agencies began to develop their own archeological programs. Within the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and Minerals Management Service all have developed internal archeological programs since the 1970s. Agencies outside of Interior, particularly the U.S. Forest Service, Tennessee Valley Authority and Army Corps of Engineers, also have substantial archeology programs.

The Federal Archeology Program works closely with state and tribal historic preservation offices, indigenous groups, and communities to fulfill our shared responsibilities for the stewardship of archeological resources.