Archeology

Archeology in New York State
Archeology is the study of the past through the material remains that people have left behind. While New York State’s historic built environment records almost 400 years of non-native development, its archeological resources represent 12,000 years of human activity.

Pepsi Archeological Site Albany, Albany County

Types of Archeological Sites
Archeological sites within the state date back as far as 12,000 years and are located in a wide variety of settings, from forests and flood plains to waterways and mountain tops.

Underwater Archeology
New York's extensive network of waterways has resulted in an extraordinary legacy of submerged archeological sites ranging from underwater Native American sites to historic shipwrecks spanning almost 400 years of commerce, technology, and naval history.

Stewardship of Archeological Resources
In considering the preservation of archeological resources, it is important to understand the delicate, nonrenewable nature of archeological sites and associated materials.

Educational Opportunities
Archeology is an interdisciplinary endeavor, often-drawing on information and expertise from a variety of fields, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, geography, geology, linguistics, photography, physics, satellite imagery, and other remote sensing techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I protect a known archeological site on my property?

• Should I allow people to dig on my property to find archeological information?

• Do I need to be a qualified archeologist to report a site to the SHPO?

• What is a "qualified professional" archeologist?

• What is the role of "avocational" archeologists?

• How do I promote the protection of archeological sites in my community?