Technologies For Prehistoric Historic Preservation

Archaeological remains and historic structures and landscapes are important tangible reminders of the United States' rich and diverse cultural heritage. In recent years the stresses on these unique, nonrenewable cultural resources have increased dramatically. This report presents the primary findings of an assessment requested by the House of Representatives Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. Focus is on the applications of preservation technologies rather than preservation disciplines. The study examines the current use of preservation technologies and identifies research and development needs. It also explores how improvements in Federal policy and implementation can make more effective use of technologies appropriate for managing this country's prehistoric and historic cultural resources. Appendices are: (1) "Cultural Resources Management Laws and Regulations"; (2) "Documentation and Conservation of Rock Art"; (3) "Registration and Private Ownership of Archaeological Objects"; (4) "National Register Criteria from the Introduction to: 'How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation'"; (5) "National Register of Historic Places Inventory--Nomination Form"; (6) "U.S. National Park Service Cultural Programs"; (7) "Advisory Council on Historic Preservation"; (8) "National Trust for Historic Preservation"; and (9) "National Building Museum." (BZ)

Technology transfer has played an increasingly important role in historic preservation during the latter half of the twentieth century, a situation attested to by the undertaking of an important congressional study in 1986 that assessed the role of federal agencies in the field. In this book leading researchers update the earlier findings and contribute state-of-the-art reviews and evaluations of technological progress in their areas of expertise.

Archaeological remains and historic structures and landscapes are important tangible reminders of this Nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage. They provide a sense of our past and contribute in other ways to our quality of life. Yet, in recent years, as the result primarily of population shifts, urban growth, and energy development, the stresses on these unique, nonrenewable cultural resources have increased dramatically. As this assessment makes clear, the appropriate use of a wide variety of preservation technologies, many of which were originally developed for applications in natural science and engineering, could reduce many of these stresses. This report presents the primary findings of an assessment requested by the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. The Subcommittee on Public Lands is carrying out a major review of how Federal agencies implement Federal preservation policy. This assessment directly supports the Committee's review by showing how the uses of certain methods, techniques, as well as tools and equipment can assist Federal, State, and local preservation efforts. The assessment takes the unusual step of focusing on the applications of preservation technologies rather than preservation disciplines. It examines the current use of preservation technologies and identifies research and development needs. It also explores how improvements in Federal policy and implementation can facilitate the more effective use of technologies appropriate for managing this country's prehistoric and historic cultural resources. In undertaking this assessment, OTA sought the contributions of a wide spectrum of knowledgeable and interested individuals. Some providedinformation and guidance, others reviewed drafts of the report. OTA gratefully acknowledges their contributions of time and intellectual effort. OTA also appreciates the timely help rendered by a number of individuals from the National Park Service. JOHN H. GIBBONS Director

Background -- Research -- Restoration, conservation, maintenance, and protection -- Preservation information -- Public information -- Technology and preservation policy -- Cultural resources management laws and regulations -- Documentation and conservation of rock art -- Registration and private ownership of archaeological objects -- National register of historic places inventory - nomination form -- U.S. National Park Service cultural programs -- Advisory council onm historic preservation -- National building museum.