Archaeological sites are all around us but our cultural heritage is being lost at an exponential rate. It is estimated that 90 percent of all archaeological sites in the United States could be destroyed or badly damaged by early in the next century. Modern development, farming, looters, and even well-meaning people are destroying evidence from the past before we can learn from it. Cultural resources are non-renewable; picking up arrowheads or pottery sherds from the ground out of curiosity will limit their usefulness in telling us a story of the past. Only through the careful scientific examination of the relationships between artifacts, can we re-create what has happened at a site. We can all be stewards of the past by leaving sites and artifacts undisturbed and by obeying the laws that protect our shared cultural heritage. Do your part. Respect and protect cultural resources in your area. Participate in archaeological excavations and activities only with trained archaeologists. Educate your neighbors about the value of our cultural heritage. Remember, archaeological resources are our only bridge to the past.

How Can You Help Preserve Our Archaeological Heritage?

If you would like more information about archaeology in Vermont or if you find evidence of an archaeological site, please contact the Division for Historic Preservation at (802) 828-3050.