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:
- The need for archaeological investigations prior to
construction
- Site significance
- 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. Staff archaeologists 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 visit
the SCIAA Web site
at
http://www.cas.sc.edu/sciaa/.
To access SCIAA's archaeological site files,
follow this link. To access ArchSite, the state's online cultural
resource GIS, follow this link.
The
Maritime Research Division is
also administered by the SCIAA. The Maritime Research Division:
- Reviews public notices of applications for proposed development projects
to various State and Federal agencies that have the potential to impact
intertidal and submerged cultural resources along and in state waters
- 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 Maritime Research
Division on compliance projects that have the potential to
impact submerged cultural
resources.
For
more information about underwater archaeology in the state
of South Carolina, visit SCIAA’s
Maritime Research
Division Web site. The Web site 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.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR)
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.
19th century trash pit found during excavations at the Johannes
Kolb Site on the Pee 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
their 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 Web site.
Volunteers at Colonial Dorchester assist with cleaning an
excavation floor in an area of a possible colonial period kitchen.