Source:Technologies for Prehistoric and Historic Preservation

Technologies for Prehistoric and Historic Preservation
September 1986

NTIS order #PB87-140166

Chapters
1: Summary

2: Background

3: Research

4: Restoration, Conservation, Maintenance, and Protection

5: Preservation Information

6: Public Education

7: Technology and Preservation Policy

Appendixes
A: Cultural Resources Management Laws and Regulations

B: Documentation and Conservation of Rock Art C: Registration and Private Ownership of Archaeological Objects

D: National Register Criteria From the Introduction to: "HOW To Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation"

E: National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form

F: U.S. National Park Service Cultural Programs

G: Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Index

Foreward
Archaeological remains and historic structures and landscapes are important tangible reminders of this Nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, They provide a sense of our past and contribute in other ways to our quality of life. Yet, in recent years, as the result primarily of population shifts, urban growth, and energy development, the stresses on these unique, nonrenewable cultural resources have increased dramatically. As this assessment makes clear, the appropriate use of a wide variety of preservation technologies, many of which were originally developed for applications in natural science and engineering, could reduce many of these stresses.

This report presents the primary findings of an assessment requested by the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. The Subcommittee on Public Lands is carrying out a major review of how Federal agencies implement Federal preservation policy. This assessment directly supports the Committee’s review by showing how the uses of certain methods, techniques, as well as tools and equipment can assist Federal, State, and local preservation efforts.

The assessment takes the unusual step of focusing on the applications of preservation technologies rather than preservation disciplines. It examines the current use of preservation technologies and identifies research and development needs. It also explores how improvements in Federal policy and implementation can facilitate the more effective use of technologies appropriate for managing this country’s prehistoric and historic cultural resources.

In undertaking this assessment, OTA sought the contributions of a wide spectrum of knowledgeable and interested individuals. Some provided information and guidance, others reviewed drafts of the report. OTA gratefully acknowledges their contributions of time and intellectual effort. OTA also appreciates the timely help rendered by a number of individuals from the National Park Service.

[signature] John H. Gibbons Director

Review Panel
Robert Baboian Corrosion Laboratory Texas Instruments Attleboro, MA

Carole L. Crumley Department of Anthropology University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC

Hiroshi Daifuku Historic Preservation Consultant Washington, DC

James Ebert Ebert & Associates Albuquerque, NM

Joel Grossman Grossman & Associates, Inc. New York, NY

Robert Harvey Department of Landscape Architecture Iowa State University Ames, IA

Ruthann Knudson Woodward-Clyde Consultants Walnut Creek, CA

Charles Mazel Klein Associates Salem, NH

John H. Myers College of Architecture Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA

Patricia O’Donnell Walmsley & Co. New York, NY

Mimi Rodden Carson City, NV

Reynold Ruppe Department of Anthropology Arizona State University Tempe, AZ

Susan E. Schur Technology and Conservation Boston, MA

Thomas Spiers Benatec Associates Harrisburg, PA

M. Jane Young Department of Anthropology University of Texas Austin, TX

NOTE: OTA appreciates and is grateful for the valuable assistance and thoughtful critiques provided by the review panel and workshop participants. The panel and workshops do not, however, necessarily approve, disapprove, or endorse this report. OTA assumes full responsibility for the report and the accuracy of its contents.

OTA Project Staff on Prehistoric and Historic Preservation
Lionel S. Johns, Assistant Director, OTA Energy, Materials, and International Security Division

Peter D. Blair, Energy and Materials Program Manager

Richard E. Rowberg, Energy and Materials Program Manager

Ray Williamson, Project Director

Mary Lee Jefferson, Analyst

Jannelle Warren-Findley, Contractor until December 1985

Administrative Staff

Lillian Chapman

Linda Long