Preservation

 

Our nation's archeological sites are being destroyed at an alarming rate. As a result, scientific information is destroyed, the places where people lived long ago are aesthetically compromised, and Native Americans loose an important part of their heritage.

People enjoying recreation out-of-doors frequently discover an archeological site or artifact. By law, on public land, the artifact is to be left in place and the site left undisturbed. Removal of the artifact is theft. Discoveries of artifacts and sites should be reported to the land managing agency. In the case of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park property, please report your findings to a park ranger as soon as possible at 740-774-1126.

Learn more about the preservation efforts at the park. Visit the park's Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks page to read about the the combined efforts of the park and the Ohio History Connection as we work together to manage these revered places as newly-established United Nations World Heritage sites (as of 2023). Learn about the park's role in maintaining the physical resources of these sites when you visit the Cultural Landscape Management page.

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A reassembled pot from the Middle-Woodland period.

NPS Photo

Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA)

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979, gives protection to archeological resources on public and Native American lands and encourages the sharing of information from sites. It also toughens penalties for the unauthorized excavation of or damage to archeological sites, and controls the sale of artifacts.

 

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990, protects Native American grave sites on lands managed by the federal government, like Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. NAGPRA requires thousands of federally funded museums and agencies to inventory their holdings of human remains, grave goods, sacred objects, and other items important to Native American cultures.

Learn more about NAGPRA and the National Park Service when you visit the NPS National NAGPRA website.

 

Archeological sites on Private Lands

Archeological sites and artifact preservation on private land is left to the responsibility of the land owner. Contact your state or tribal historic preservation officer to find out about laws concerning archeology for your area, and the ways it connects with your rights as a private landowner. Read about some strategies and resources that private landowners can reference to protect archeological sites on private lands.