Evaluation Checklist for Archaeological Properties

Evaluation Checklist for Archaeological Properties SIGNIFICANCE CRITERION D ____ Define the relevant context and level of significance (local, state, or national). This may be done simultaneously with the next step. ____ Review the archaeological literature (gray and scholarly) pertaining to sites of this type. ____ Identify the important research questions/themes that can be addressed by sites of this type. ____ Demonstrate what this site could potentially add to that body of knowledge (e.g. datasets recovered or potentially available). For CRITERION A, B, OR C refer to Section 3.2. Evaluating Archaeological Sites under Criteria other than D. ____ Consider all Criteria that may be applicable to the property (Ask, what other values does the property have besides information potential?) and demonstrate the strength of association between that event, person, architectural feature, or other value and the property. A comparative context is useful in these evaluations. INTEGRITY CRITERION D ____ If there has been excavation, demonstrate that the quality of the data (e.g. horizontal spatial relationships, stratigraphic relationships, etc.) is sufficient to answer the important research questions identified. ____ It may be helpful to consider the National Register’s seven aspects of integrity as they apply to archaeological properties. However, it is not necessary if a discussion of archaeological integrity is provided. Refer to Section 3.3. Assessing the National Register Integrity of Archaeological Sites or the National Register Bulletin, Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties for further guidance. ____ If there has been no excavation, demonstrate that there is a high likelihood that the site retains integrity (e.g. a land-use history demonstrating that the site has not been subjected to impacts that would compromise its integrity), and any additional information with regard to determining archaeological integrity. For example, information such as artifacts collected or mapping from a walkover survey, identification of above ground features such as swales, depressions, foundations, or other ruins, and comparison with historic maps, if possible. Comparison with similar sites or site types may also provide information on potential or expected data sets. Non-invasive methods of survey or inventory can also be helpful, such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Side Scan Sonar, Soil Resistivity, or other remote sensing techniques. CRITERION A, B, OR C ____ It is important to consider the National Register’s seven aspects of integrity and specifically, how they apply to archaeological properties. Refer to Section 3.3. Assessing the National Register Integrity of Archaeological Sites, or the National Register Bulletin, Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties for further guidance. A NOTE ABOUT INTEGRITY An evaluation of integrity always comes after an evaluation of significance. Integrity is a relative measure and its definition depends upon the historic context and significance of the archaeological property. For Criterion D evaluations, for instance, a property may not have good stratigraphic integrity, but may still be able to answer significant questions. A rare site type, for instance, may have disturbed deposits, but may still be eligible because of the information it contains. A NOTE ABOUT CONTEXT FOR CRITERION D The importance of the information, as well as the degree of integrity necessary is oftentimes related to the area of significance of the property, the amount of research in a given area and the level of significance (local, state, or national). For instance, a lithic scatter in some parts of Mississippi may not be significant, while a lithic scatter in other parts of Mississippi may be.