In the Shadow of the Capitol – Stateless and Compliant: 50 Years of the NHPA in Washington, D.C.

Summary

Despite the District of Columbia’s small size (69 sq. miles), the proportion of property in federal ownership, about 25%, results in a large number of projects annually subject to Section 106 review. Every federal agency, quasi-federal agency, and non-federal entity using federal funds enters 106 consultation, even those without in-house preservation professionals to guide them. Agencies without archaeologists rely on the District’s archaeologist for expertise and guidance. Mitigation has traditionally been data recovery, but alternative strategies are welcome. Going forward, we have identified a need for increasing public engagement and education.  Failure is rare, but there are occasional sordid examples of inadequate stewardship of collections and associated records well after project completion. Changing rubrics or investigative frameworks make each decade’s investigations distinctive, such as RP3, Consumer Choice, or pattern analysis. Successful consultations have resulted in productive, informative – and yes, ground-breaking archaeological discoveries in every period. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The National Historic Preservation Act at 50: Looking Back, Looking Forward   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 940