Public Information and Education

SC Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations

SHPO Guidance for Archaeological Surveys

State Agencies

The South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) plays an important role in protecting the state’s archaeological heritage through its involvement in the environmental review process. The SHPO’s primary role is to consult with federal and state agencies about effects to historic properties, which include significant archaeological sites. As an advisory agency, the SHPO makes recommendations to government agencies regarding:

1. The need for archaeological investigations prior to construction.
2. Site significance.
3. Mitigation and preservation plans for significant sites that could be damaged by construction activities.

The SHPO reviews and comments on all reports produced in compliance with state and federal laws.  The two archaeologists on staff are responsible for reviewing all compliance-related archaeological investigations performed in the state. They make site visits and provide technical advice but are rarely able to perform any fieldwork. Contract archaeologists perform the majority of archaeological fieldwork in the state.

The SHPO maintains records for the compliance-related projects, and is also responsible for maintaining files for sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The SHPO does not, however, manage or maintain the state’s archaeological site files. Those files are managed by the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (see below).

If you have questions about the SHPO’s role in the environmental review process or need assistance, please contact a staff archaeologist.

The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA) manages and maintains archaeological site information for the state of South Carolina. SCIAA was established in 1963 as a University of South Carolina research institute. SCIAA conducts a broad range of field research throughout the state and is also the legal repository for the state’s archaeological collections. The State Archaeologist resides at SCIAA. The Office of the State Archaeologist, among other things, advises the State Historic Preservation Office, other state and public agencies, and private individuals on compliance related activities. For more information about SCIAA:

• Publications
• Readings in archaeology
• Archaeology week, special projects
• Using the site files

visit the SCIAA website at www.cla.sc.edu/SCIAA.

The Division of Underwater Archaeology is also administered by the SCIAA. The Underwater Archaeology Division:

• Conducts compliance surveys for waterfront developments that might endanger underwater sites.
• Researches and documents underwater sites in the state.
• Provides an active underwater archaeology education program for students, sport divers and the public.

The State’s underwater experts, including the State Underwater Archaeologist, are housed at SCIAA. The SHPO draws on this expertise and consults with the Underwater Division on compliance projects that have the potential to impact underwater resources.

For more information about underwater archaeology in the state of South Carolina, visit SCIAA’s Maritime Research website. The website includes a description of the Sport Diver Program and Hobby Diver Licensing.

The Savannah River Archaeological Research Program (SRARP), a division of SCIAA, serves as a primary facility for the investigation of archaeological research problems associated with cultural development within the Savannah River Valley. The SRARP provides continued cultural resource management guidance to the U.S. Department of Energy to assure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. Beyond compliance and research activities, the SRARP administers an outreach program that offers a variety of school programs, lectures, tours, archaeological displays, and special assistance for the public. Please visit their website at http://www.srarp.org/ for more information.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Heritage Trust Program was established in 1976 to inventory and preserve the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources. The Heritage Trust has an archaeologist on staff who works closely with other staff members, related agencies, and landowners to identify and protect significant archaeological sites in the state of South Carolina.  Click here for more information about the Heritage Trust Program.

19th century trash pit found during excavations at the Johannes Kolb Site on the PE DEE Heritage Preserve.  The trash pit contained bone fragments, a knife blade, a bottle base, ceramics, buttons, pins, and a pair of cufflinks.

The South Carolina Conservation Bank was established in 2003. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in South Carolina through the conservation of significant natural resource lands, wetlands, historical properties, and archeological sites. The Bank’s goal is to protect open space by acquisition of interests in real property from willing sellers. It is working to encourage cooperation and innovative partnerships among landowners, State agencies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. For more information visit the web site at http://sccbank.sc.gov/.

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT) manages several of the state’s significant archaeological sites. The Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site offers visitors the rare opportunity to join with park staff in hands-on archaeology work while the Charles Towne Landing Historic Site tells the story of how Native Americans, English, Africans and Barbadians came together to create the first successful English colony in Carolina in 1670. For more information, visit PRT’s website at http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/stateparks/parklocator.asp.

Volunteers at Colonial Dorchester assist with cleaning an excavation floor in an area of a possible colonial period kitchen.