The University of Vermont's Consulting Archaeology Program (UVM CAP) engages in activities that help preserve, protect and explain Vermont's cultural heritage.
A unit of the Anthropology Department, the program was established in 1978. Since that time, the UVM CAP has made many contributions to Vermont archaeology through review and compliance studies required by state and federal regulations, research projects, and a wide range of educational activities. The program is entirely funded through contracts and grants from public and private sources.
Research
Through its consulting projects, UVM CAP investigates important research topics related to Native American and Euroamerican cultural history. Major research themes include human interaction with the natural environment, technology, and regional trade and exchange.
Technology
The UVM CAP utilizes state-of-the-art computer technology which allows us to better serve clients and helps in our efforts to protect and preserve significant cultural resources. We encourage clients and colleagues to email or mail digital versions of survey maps and engineering data files to us so that we can depict archaeologically sensitive areas in specific relation to project elements.
Policy and Procedures
The UVM CAP helps local and state planning and environmental and heritage groups develop polices and procedures to identify, protect and preserve the state's archaeological resources. In 1991, CAP completed the context for the prehistoric Native American section of the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation's state preservation plan.
Education and Training
As part of the Department of Anthropology at UVM, one of our primary missions is education. The UVM CAP provides independent and work-study opportunities to current undergraduates and full-time employment to recent graduates. Our field crews and laboratory personnel include a high percentage of students with anthropology backgrounds, many who have an interest in graduate-level studies in archaeology. We also incorporate a public education component whenever appropriate to help keep the general public informed about current research in Vermont archaeology. The UVM CAP conducts programs with local elementary and secondary schools and with adults who are interested in archaeology. For the third year, UVM CAP helps organize Vermont Archaeology Month, a state-wide celebration.
Information and Reference
The UVM CAP provides information on Vermont archaeology to students, parents, teachers, historical societies and others.