Archaeological investigation is undertaken in a phased approach, including assessment of the project area (Phase IA), identification and recordation of archaeological resources (Phase IB), assessment of their National Register eligibility (Phase II), and mitigation of potential impacts to significant archaeological resources through avoidance or data recovery (Phase III). To successfully navigate this process, Heritage Consultants employs a variety of strategies including consultation with interested parties, traditional archaeological excavation, remote sensing, GIS applications, construction monitoring, and detailed reporting of findings, among others. All of our projects are conducted in compliance with all Federal, state, and/or local regulations.

Our Archaeological Services Include:

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Assessment Surveys
• Phase IB Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Surveys
• Phase II National Register Testing & Evaluation
• Phase III Data Recovery Efforts
• Native American Consultation
• SHPO Consultation
• FERC Consultation
• Artifact Processing & Curation
• Construction Monitoring
• Remote Sensing
• Geoarchaeology
• Traditional Cultural Property Documentation

Our goal in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is to help our client better gain an advantage from the large amount of geographic data we have at our disposal. A sample of some of the GIS data we routinely employ in our projects is listed below. Having this much data at our fingertips allows our firm to identify “up front” any project constraints that may exist. We are the only cultural resources management firm in the region that owns and maintains this amount of data, and we can put it to work for you!

Our GIS Services Include:

• Data Analyses
• Cartographic Modeling
• Map Overlays
• Geostatistics
• Address Geocoding
• Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
• Data Output and Cartography
• Visual Simulations
• Viewshed Analyses

Architectural History is related to the study of historic buildings, structures, objects, and other aspects of the “built environment.” These historic resources oftentimes yield important information about their owner’s/architects, function/technology, and how they have been altered over time. An “architectural history” typically includes site plans, photographic documentation, measured drawings, architectural analysis and description, and comprehensive literature and archival searches. This effort is typically undertaken to interpret and preserve our collective built heritage, as part of a larger historical account of a particular resource/area, or as part of a mitigation process for a historically significant resource that cannot be avoided by development. Heritage Consultants completes architectural recordation while applying the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Criteria of Effect to each identified historic property. Architectural investigations are undertaken in accordance with guidelines established in National Register Bulletin 24: Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning.

Our Architectural History Services Include:

• Historic Building Identification & Documentation
• Historic Resource Surveys
• Historic Landscape Identification & Documentation
• National Register of Historic Places Nominations
• State Register of Historic Places Nominations
• Federal and State Consultation/Preparation for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit

Cultural Resource Management starts with the identification of historic resources and ends with a comprehensive plan for interpretation. At Heritage our staff has over 15 years of experience developing creative and engaging programs for historical sites, museums and cultural institutions.

Our Interpretive Planning Services Include:

• Preparation of Grant Applications to Support Historic Preservation and Museum Development.
• Archival Processing
• Records Management Services
• Creation of Archival Finding Aids
• Digitization of Historical Records/Photographs
• Museum/ Site Interpretation and Education
• Collections Inventories
• Assessments for Museums and Historic Sites
• Conservation Planning for Collections
• Exhibit Development
• Create Informative Signage for Historic Sites
• Develop Museum Program Curriculum

Heritage Consultants also offers experience and expertise in cemetery-related studies as part of our client services. We have completed cemetery projects for energy sector, transportation sector, and private sector clients, as well as state agencies. The staff of Heritage Consultants also has formulated and operationalized Unanticipated Discovery Plans in a wide variety of settings, including housing subdivisions, natural gas lines, and electricity utility projects. Heritage Consultants has also undertaken the excavation and recovery of human remains from both small and large cemeteries that have been endangered by infrastructural projects and by natural processes.

Our Services Related to Cemeteries:

• Emergency Excavations
• Cemetery Identification & Mapping
• Human Remains Identification & Analysis
• Analysis of Mortuary Artifacts & Features
• Genealogical Studies
• Community Planning
• Environmental/Archaeological Studies related to Future Cemetery Impacts