Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

There are unofficial estimates that on the order of 90% of the archaeology undertaken in the United States are attributable to applications of preservation law. Specifically Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966) requires that federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Similar legal guidelines are in force in many other parts of the world. In this broadcast, we provide an overview of how the complex matrix of legislation and archaeological compliance is manifested in the United States. We discuss the roles of key federal agencies responsible for such preservation programs. We also examine1 some key projects and the nature of heritage management in other countries. Finally, we look at the sources and the interests that account for most of the development related archaeological funding across the U.S. The answers to these questions will surprise you!