Archaeological survey

Introduction

What is archaeological survey?

Archaeology is the study of human history through the material remains that people have left behind. Federal and state laws recognize the importance of cultural resources, including archaeological sites. These same laws provide mechanisms to ensure government agencies consider them in their actions.

Archaeological survey is the first step for locating archaeological resources. It is the method by which archaeologists investigate a particular location for evidence of past human activity. Archaeologists conduct surveys to:

Search for particular archaeological sites or kinds of sites.
Identify the nature and distribution of material culture in the New Jersey.
Develop historic contexts or test hypotheses about past cultures.
Assess the impacts that development projects may have on archaeological resources.

Depending on the needs of the survey and types of resources in question, archaeological survey can be:

Invasive (e.g., excavation)
Non-invasive (e.g., Ground Penetrating Radar, etc.)

Our office is tasked with overseeing all archaeological survey that takes place within the state of New Jersey.

Legal protections

State and federal regulations protect sites on public land from looting and destruction. Learn how this applies to New Jersey archaeological sites.

When is archaeological survey recommended?

Archaeological sensitivity is the potential for archaeological resources to exist within a project’s Area of Potential Effects (APE). Three sensitivity factors determine whether archaeological survey is necessary for a regulatory project:

The environmental setting of the APE

Previous archaeological research supports the value of environmental factors. Both present and historic factors can help locate sites. These may include:

Water and drainage
Topography and geology
Ecology
The level of existing ground disturbance

Documented resources within or near the APE

Prior documentation can suggest whether archaeological resources are nearby. If a prior study in the vicinity of the APE found a site, the APE is more likely to contain resources.

Existing archaeological contexts

Archaeological contexts provide an analytical framework for understanding archaeological resources. They explain the significant forces that shaped human activity in a site or region. Geography, history and culture all affect land use and development over time.

Survey is only recommended when

A project location has high potential for archaeological resources.
The proposed project has the potential to impact those resources.

For further information, read our overview of Phase I archaeological survey.

The three phases of archaeological survey

Archaeological survey has three levels of investigation:

Phase I: Identification

What is the history of land use within the project area?
Is there an archaeological site(s) present?
What are its boundaries and characteristics?

Phase I overview

Phase II: National Register Evaluation

Does the archaeological site/s present have the potential to add significant new information to our understanding of the past?
Is it eligible for listing in the New Jersey or National Registers of Historic Places?
How will the proposed project impact it?

Phase II overview

Phase III: Data Recovery

How can we resolve adverse project impacts to the resource(s)?
Is more data available?
What research questions can this site answer?

Phase III overview

Guidelines for preparing cultural resources management archaeological reports

CRM Guidelines PDF

Read our full guidelines for preparing cultural resource management (CRM) archaeological survey reports.

CRM Guidelines eBook (epub)

In addition to a PDF, we now offer this publication in EPUB format for e-readers and mobile users.

Phase I Guidelines

Visit our Phase I overview for download links.

Survey report photography

Read our photography guidelines for archaeological and architectural cultural resource surveys.

Statewide archaeological site inventory

Our office does not manage or maintain copies of the statewide archaeological inventory. Instead, the New Jersey State Museum (NJSM) hosts the state’s archaeological records. The museum’s Bureau of Archaeology and Ethnology administers New Jersey’s archaeological site registration program.

How can I register an archaeological site?

Both formal archaeological survey and inadvertent discoveries reveal new sites. Register archaeological resources with the NJSM as soon after discovery as possible. For more information about the registration process, contact the Bureau of Archaeology and Ethnology.