Background research Starting a Project Background Research Required

Background research Starting a Project

Background Research • Required, essential part of all archaeological projects. – Often, the first stage of a larger project – Can be part of a stand-alone planning document, like a historic preservation plan • Many agencies require their units to develop “cultural resources management plans” – Can also be part of development of a predictive model • State or agency requirements for the background research normally exist – E. g. , SHPOs have requirements for reports to the state – See Florida’s • You should ALWAYS start by figuring out what the final report requirements are and plan to meet those requirements

Purpose • Background research serves to determine what is known about an area historically and archaeologically – It helps to develop the historic contexts for an area – It should consider issues raised in the State Historic Preservation Plan – Should identify all known sites and known possible sites in the project area – Should identify previous surveys too – Helps to determine methods

Most Important Principle • ALWAYS do the background research BEFORE starting fieldwork – If not, it’s easy to miss known sites and then you may have to go back • Surprisingly, this is not always done – For logistical or business reasons • Government agencies sometimes try to enforce this rule in the contract – E. g. , by requiring the contractor to turn in the background research report before receiving approval to start fieldwork – Or by issuing separate contracts or work orders for background research and field work

Elements of background research 1: Setting • • • Description of the undertaking (From client, scope, RFP) Definition of APE Definition of study area/region Physiographic regions (library research, consultants) Geology (tectonics, structural, stratigraphy, bedrock, chert sources) • Geomorphology (library research, consultants) • Soils (County soil survey, GIS) • Environment (library, state/federal records, environmental compliance documents) – – Climate Flora Fauna Vegetative associations

Elements of background research 2: Cultural and archaeological • Prehistory of area (Library) – – – • • Archaeological phases Settlement patterns Ceramic spheres Formal lithic types Historic contexts – Get from state site files – Describe each one and what is known about it • Including previous assessments and potential History of area ((Local) Library) – Key historical trends – Historic contexts – Integrate national, regional, and local histories – Important people and events in area – Architectural styles (state architectural surveys) – Chains of title • For identifying people important in history Known sites (usually within XX radius) – Show it on a map • Known surveys (usually within XX radius) – Get from State/Federal agency and other research sources – Describe methods – Describe findings • Conclusions about project area

How do you do this? • Get maps of area – 1: 24, 000 USGS topographic quad maps • Maybe supplied by client • Get project drawings • Make GIS – May be supplied by client • Get county soil survey(s) – From National Resource Conservation Service – As GIS coverage • Aerial photos (and infrared if available) • Digital data (Landsat, DEM) • Go to state site files and photocopy your data on sites and surveys • County land records for chain of title • Visit local archives at places like local libraries • Contact local historical societies • Visit project area