Evaluating Archaeological Sites on Private Property
Evaluating Archaeological Sites on Private Property
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Date
2008-05
Authors
Ingram, Sonja
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Abstract
In the United States archaeological sites located on private property generally have
no protection at all. The concept of private property gives landowners the right to control
sites they own largely as they see fit, and unfortunately irreplaceable elements of America’s
heritage are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Once an archaeological site has been
disturbed or destroyed, the context of the site can never be reconstructed and valuable
information on America’s cultural heritage is lost forever.
This study is an examination of a set of archaeological sites in Maryland located on
private property. It is hoped that data complied on these sites can provide a general guide as
to what is happening to sites located on private property in Maryland and possibly a larger
geographic region. This study is also designed to reveal if any of the sites researched are
good candidates for protection strategies such as the use of preservation easements. The final
element of this study is an attempt to gauge landowner interest in protecting sties.
It is hoped that knowledge gained through this study will help illuminate the status of
archaeological sites located on private property and increase public awareness and
appreciation of sites in Maryland and the region.
Notes
This document has had referenced material removed in respect for the owner's copyright. A complete version of this document, which includes said referenced material, resides in the University of Maryland, College Park's library collection.
Final project submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation, School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Historic Preservation (MHP), 2008."/ HISP 700 Spring 2008./ Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-40).