State and Local Programs
Suggested Oral Reports/Paper Topics
1) Archaeological Conservancy: Describe how this organization, founded in 1979, preserves archaeological sites through purchase. How does it decide which sites to acquire? Where does the money come from? What kinds of sites does it own?
2) Miami Circle: In 1998, during an archaeological survey for a private development, a unique prehistoric site was uncovered. The site comprised a series of basins cut into the bedrock in a circular shape. Although there was considerable public interest in preserving the site in situ, the developer was unwilling and there was no legal control. Describe the case and the challenges facing in situ preservation on private lands.
3) The Pubic Interest in Preservation on Private Property: Investigate the legal obstacles and opportunities for protecting archaeological resources on private property in the United States. Consult the comprehensive article by Patty Gerstenblith, "Identity and Cultural Property: The Protection of Cultural Property in the United States, "Boston University Law Review 75, no. 3 (1995): 559–688.
4) Preservation by Land Trusts: Select a land trust in your area and investigate if, and how, they manage archaeological resources in their holdings. If they already do, evaluate their preservation program. If they do not, suggest an approach to developing an archaeological management plan for the land trust.