Last month, we took a look at some uncommon artifacts that are found on historic archaeological sites. This month we are going to take a look at some of the different types of artifacts that are found on precontact sites that we think are very exciting. Archaeologists are mostly likely to find lithic tools such as projectile points and their associated fragments like flakes and shatter, or Native American pottery if the site is from a more recent time, the Woodland period. But while these are the most common artifacts found on precontact archaeological sites, there are many different kinds of tools which are often found at specialized site which give archaeologists an insight into what activities were performed at these locations. Lets take a look at some of the examples which are held here at the State Museum!
For many years, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) had a model historic preservation ordinance to help Pennsylvania’s municipalities protect historic places in their communities. The tool, while it had its uses, proved to be unequal to the task of accounting for the wide variety amongst Pennsylvania’s more than 2,500 municipalities. The model ordinance helped communities answer the question ‘how can we protect historic places,’ but it did not help communities address why they want to protect historic places or determine what residents in their communities valued.
The PA SHPO’s new Preservation Ordinance Guidebook and Workbook seeks to address not only how but also what and why to help communities develop implementable preservation ordinances which meet community needs.
Are you a highly skilled archaeologist with NAGPRA knowledge and experience? The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) is seeking a Historic Preservation Specialist to work on NAGPRA consultation and collections. Bring your dedication and experience with consultation and preservation to this meaningful and important role.
A year ago, we published a Preservation Partner Spotlight about the Poquessing Trail of History project, a neighborhood public history initiative sponsored by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. You can read that post here. A few weeks ago, we reached out to check on how their project is going now.
Nestled at the end of Johnstown’s Main Street sits a smaller two and half story brick residence, slightly out of character from the nearby taller commercial buildings of the city’s main downtown core. The Ludwig House has a layered history, but it was very instrumental with one of Johnstown’s most significant events. I never would have guessed that when I first visited five years ago.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA) recognizes that historic preservation is a public interest. Recently, significant changes to the NHPA Section 106 regulations have been proposed.
Archaeology Month is just around the corner!
Every October, events and programs are held across Pennsylvania to celebrate the commonwealth’s deep past. PA SHPO partner agencies and organizations, including the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology (SPA) and their local chapters, the Pennsylvania Archaeological Council (PAC), local historical societies and universities, offer public archaeology programs for all ages to highlight their region’s archaeological and historical significance.
We know you’re as busy as we are, so save these dates now so you don’t miss out!
It’s time once again for the latest installment of Marking the Journey, a storymap covering a series of marker trails aimed at telling both familiar and lesser-known stories in Pennsylvania’s history. The series encourage visitors to build a deeper and more meaningful connection to the past during the America250 celebrations.
As summer comes to a quick end (it feels like it was May just yesterday!), we want to spotlight the wonderful work done by our three Keystone Interns this summer.
This is part of a biannual blog series highlighting the agreement documents executed by PA SHPO in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations.
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