Archaeology Guidelines

The Archaeology Guidelines provide minimum standards and specifications by which the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews, evaluates, and comments on archaeological work conducted for compliance with laws such as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 149.53 of the Ohio Revised Code. These guidelines are not intended to constrain or limit research efforts to these standards. Investigators are encouraged to develop research designs and reports that exceed these standards, explore new technological approaches, and examine Ohio’s cultural history in new and creative ways. Research designs falling short of these minimum standards run the risk of delayed review or rejection of the archaeological report.

Archaeology should be recognized as a developing scientific discipline, subject to changing approaches and methods with an inherent uncertainty involved in selecting the most appropriate research and sampling techniques. Early and continued consultation with the SHPO is required as the very nature of archaeology precludes rigid mechanical approaches to the identification, evaluation, or protection of archaeological resources.

Introduction

Archaeology Fieldwork

Archaeology Report Formats

Cemeteries, Burial Mounds, and Other Burial Places

The Archaeology Guidelines contain the standards and specifications by which the State Historic Preservation Office reviews, evaluates, and comments on archaeological survey methods, results, recommendations, and reports, including, but not limited to:

Download the complete Introduction section

These guidelines are set forth to ensure a consistent and uniform approach to the treatment of archaeological resources. The State Historic Preservation Office has consulted with non-SHPO archaeologists, the Ohio Archaeological Council, and has referred to the archaeological literature, federal guidelines, and other states' standards in developing these guidelines.

Download the complete Archaeology Fieldwork section

This section of the Archaeological Guidelines provides report formats required for all archaeology undertakings reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office pursuant to 36 CFR Part 800, regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act; and Ohio Revised Code (ORC) section 149.53, Archaeological and Historic Survey and Salvage Work.

Download the complete Archaeology Report Formats section

This section is included in the Archaeology Guidelines because it is possible that archaeological investigations will encounter documentary and/or physical evidence for both marked and un-marked cemeteries, and/or individual places of burial in Ohio. As important cultural resources these places should continue to be identified and added to Ohio’s inventory of cultural resources whenever possible.

Download the complete Cemeteries, Burial Mounds, and Other Burial Places section

Supplement(s)

The following supplement spotlight specific topics and are provided to inform and expand the guidelines.

2022 Archaeology Guidelines

Links & Sample Forms

Supplement(s)

Contact Us

Contact Information

Location Information