1. Background research
Starting a Project

2. Background Research
Required, essential part of all archaeological projects.
Often, the first stage of a larger project
Can be part of a stand-alone planning document, like a historic preservation plan
Many agencies require their units to develop “cultural resources management plans”
Can also be part of development of a predictive model
State or agency requirements for the background research normally exist
E.g., SHPOs have requirements for reports to the state
See Florida’s
You should ALWAYS start by figuring out what the final report requirements are and plan to meet those requirements

3. Purpose
Background research serves to determine what is known about an area historically and archaeologically
It helps to develop the historic contexts for an area
It should consider issues raised in the State Historic Preservation Plan
Should identify all known sites and known possible sites in the project area
Should identify previous surveys too
Helps to determine methods

4. Most Important Principle
ALWAYS do the background research BEFORE starting fieldwork
If not, it’s easy to miss known sites and then you may have to go back
Surprisingly, this is not always done
For logistical or business reasons
Government agencies sometimes try to enforce this rule in the contract
E.g., by requiring the contractor to turn in the background research report before receiving approval to start fieldwork
Or by issuing separate contracts or work orders for background research and field work

5. Elements of background research 1: Setting
Description of the undertaking (From client, scope, RFP)
Definition of APE
Definition of study area/region
Physiographic regions (library research, consultants)
Geology (tectonics, structural, stratigraphy, bedrock, chert sources)
Geomorphology (library research, consultants)
Soils (County soil survey, GIS)
Environment (library, state/federal records, environmental compliance documents)
Climate
Flora
Fauna
Vegetative associations

6. Elements of background research 2: Cultural and archaeological
Prehistory of area (Library)
Archaeological phases
Settlement patterns
Ceramic spheres
Formal lithic types
Historic contexts
History of area ((Local) Library)
Key historical trends
Integrate national, regional, and local histories
Important people and events in area
Architectural styles (state architectural surveys)
Chains of title
For identifying people important in history
Known sites (usually within XX radius)
Get from state site files
Describe each one and what is known about it
Including previous assessments and potential
Show it on a map
Known surveys (usually within XX radius)
Get from State/Federal agency and other research sources
Describe methods
Describe findings
Conclusions about project area

7. How do you do this? Get maps of area Get project drawings Make GIS
1:24,000 USGS topographic quad maps
Maybe supplied by client
Get project drawings
Make GIS
May be supplied by client
Get county soil survey(s)
From National Resource Conservation Service
As GIS coverage
Aerial photos (and infrared if available)
Digital data (Landsat, DEM)
Go to state site files and photocopy your data on sites and surveys
County land records for chain of title
Visit local archives at places like local libraries
Contact local historical societies
Visit project area