Archaeology

Did you know that shipwrecks, unmarked human burials and other archaeological sites all fall under the jurisdiction of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)?

An important part of Missouri's historic preservation effort is the recordation of archaeological sites. Missouri Guidelines for Phase I Archaeological Surveys and Reports are now available online. Those wishing to document and report archaeological sites for inclusion in the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office Site File are encouraged to download and use the SHPO's archaeological site form, available in three formats:

Although the Adobe Acrobat version must be printed out, filled in, and mailed with the appropriate maps to the address on the form, both the MS Word and E-form (online) versions can be filled out on your computer and e-mailed or electronically submitted. Regardless of the form you choose, maps (items 40-41) are required; these may be submitted via mail or e-mail to the address provided on the form you have selected.

Upon receipt of a completed form, a SHPO staff member will register the site, issue a site number and enter it into the SHPO's statewide GIS (geographic information systems) database in order to electronically document and help protect Missouri's valuable cultural resources.

Pursuant to the federal regulations, access to archaeological GIS data is restricted to professional archaeologists, those working/studying under the direct supervision of a professional archaeologist, or entities or personnel that have a legitimate "need to know" as determined by the SHPO. Be advised that the data displayed in the Viewer application is constantly updated and cannot be regarded as wholly complete. To subscribe to either the Archaeology Editor or Archaeology Viewer service, contact the Cultural Resources Inventory Coordinator at 573- 751-7861 or via e-mail.

Archaeology Viewer Archaeology Editor
allows those doing preliminary archaeological background research to view site and survey data in the SHPO GIS database. allows those doing archaeological projects to input their own site and survey data into the SHPO archaeology database via any high-speed web connection.

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