Laws & Policies

Protecting Archeological Heritage

The archeological heritage of New Philadelphia belongs to us all. If you see an artifact on the ground, leave it be. Removal of archeological resources from federal lands is against the law. If you can, contact us to send a note to the National Park Service about where and when you found the item. We appreciate your help in preserving and protecting America’s fragile archeological record.

 

New Philadelphia National Historic Site was established as a unit of the National Park System as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. It was signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022.

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, also referred to as ARPA, is a Federal law passed in 1979 and amended in 1988. It governs the excavation of archeological sites on Federal and Indian lands in the United States, and the removal and disposition of archeological collections from those sites. The Act aims to secure, for the present and future benefit of the American people, the protection of archeological resources and sites on Federal and tribal lands. These resources are considered an irreplaceable part of the nation’s heritage.