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PRESERVING THE ARTIFACTS

Who is responsible for the artifacts that are found on my project?
The archaeologist is responsible for the artifacts until the project is completed. This responsibility includes the assurance that artifacts are appropriately cleaned, cataloged, and secured according to state and federal standards.

Where can I get more information on curation and preservation of artifacts?
For more information on curatorial services refer to Section 7.0 of the Standards. Here you will find detailed information on the curation of archaeological collections. This section of the Standards covers the following:

Classification of artifacts;
Curation of artifacts;
Qualifications for museum professionals;
Responsibilities of the archaeologist;
Guidelines for selecting a museum; and,
Criteria for institutions serving as museums.

Who owns the artifacts?
In most cases, the owner of the parcel is considered the owner of the artifacts. But, many projects are funded with tax dollars and still others locate sites that are so important they are eligible for listing on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. It can be argued that artifacts resulting from these sites should be available for viewing by the public and research by other scholars and should not be in one individual's possession. Landowners are often encouraged to donate archaeological collections originating from their land to non-profit educational institutions and museums to keep these objects of national heritage in the public domain. Items found on federal, state, municipal, or tribal lands come under the jurisdiction of the agency or tribal group responsible for that land.

If I wish to donate the artifacts, how do I choose an acceptable place?
The project archaeologist, OPR&HP, or member of NYAC will be able to recommend an appropriate educational institution or museum for your donation. It is important that all documentation of the collection be provided to this institution with the artifacts. A collection without excavation records, maps, and photographs has lost much of its value.

Is the donation of artifacts tax deductible?
Most donations to non-profit educational institutions and museums are tax-deductible. First, you need to know the value of the collection and this cannot be done by the institution receiving the items. Since most artifacts that derive from archaeological sites are fragments and not the whole objects normally viewed in museums, it is important to have the collection appraised by an institution that can assess its research value. In this way, the maximum research value is estimated for the collection not the maximum display value of individual pieces. Museums with professional archaeologists on staff who are familiar with the region where the collection originates are the best places to have a research collection appraised.

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