The Connecticut State Archaeological Preserve Program

Summary

In this introduction to Connecticut’s State Archaeological Preserve program, I will talk about the legislation that created it, the process for designating sites as Archaeological Preserves, and how these properties are used or managed after designation. Although the program has the explicit goal of site preservation, in practice it has spurred many additional benefits. Foremost among these additional benefits has been the forging of partnerships with the State Historic Preservation Office and inspiring stewardship for the sites so designated. While not every nominated site makes it to preserve status, just going through the process for consideration has made the value of these benefits more apparent to all involved. Nominations for archaeological preserve status have originated from a variety of concerned preservation groups, individual landowners, municipalities, state agencies, or at the request of SHPO. Many of the individuals or groups that have sought designation have not been traditional partners with SHPO’s archaeology program. More importantly, these individuals and groups have developed their own sense of stewardship over resources they cannot see, and has fostered a sense of stewardship in their communities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 22488