Cultural Science Research

Researching cultural resources throughout the National Park Service (NPS) can be tricky. There isn't one specific database that includes *everything*. Many archeologists know this all too well. They may try to research one archeological site only to find out it was excavated before the site became a national park or monument. And to complicate things, the artifacts and records are spread across the U.S.!

The links below will guide you through archival research, planning, and hands-on investigation. Oh, also: you need a research permit for on-site work in national parks. Before you apply in the system, make sure to reach out to the park's coordinator and staff to discuss the project.

Initial Research

  • A white clapboard house sits on the right with brown grass and two trees in front.
    Go See IRMA

    Integrated Resource Management Applications - Data Store holds documents and datasets about natural and cultural resources in all NPS units.

  • A black and white drawing of President's Park set up for festival, titled
    Search eTIC

    The online resource for NPS generated drawings, specifications, scientific, and technical reports is the e-Technical Information Center.

  • A man in plaid shirt takes a book off a shelf
    Find a Report

    What you need isn't digitized online? Check out the NPS Library to see if there is a copy near you.

Archival Research

  • A yellow sign with red letters saying
    A History of Service

    Looking into the history of the NPS? Check out Harpers Ferry Center's collection, with millions of objects and documents.

  • Man walking across wooden plank bridge over Rio Grande River with two buildings behind it.
    Park History Is Everyone's History

    The NPS Park History/Federal Preservation Office page has many useful links to digital collections, including the National Register.

  • Black and white photo of L shaped Building with colonnade and 3 women sitting in the courtyard.
    HABS/HAER/HALS!

    The Heritage Documentation Programs focus on architectural, engineering, and landscape documentation. Check out their collections.

Hands-On Research

  • A man in ranger uniform and hat rows a canoe on a river.
    Talk to the Park

    Contact the park's research coordinator before submitting grants/funding and your permit application.

  • A pottery ladle, orangey in color, with designs on the inside; pieces missing from the bowl.
    Visit Collections

    Some collections are at parks, but most artifacts are in NPS archeology centers.

  • A dried plant specimen with palmate leaves and a a fuzzy flower.
    Locating Collections

    The NPS Museum Program site is a wealth of information on practices, as well as listing some NPS collections, including herbarium specimens.

Last updated: October 15, 2024

Tools

  • Site Index