Each October, the Archaeological Institute of America celebrates National Archaeology Month—a time when we recognize the rich history beneath us and honor the fieldwork, research, and preservation efforts that bring it to light. As part of the Timmons Group family, in our work at Dutton + Associates, we are committed to protecting and understanding the cultural resources that connect us to our historic past and contribute to our sustainable future.
As a cultural resources archaeologist, my team and I are tasked with uncovering and preserving pieces of history that tell the stories of communities across the region. Archaeology is often thought of as being primarily about excavation, but it encompasses so much more. Our work spans everything from archival research and property assessments to regulatory compliance and public education.
Our team provides a wide range of services to our clients, ensuring that cultural resources are identified, evaluated, and managed with the utmost care and professionalism. Here’s a glimpse into what we do:
- Resource Identification and Evaluation — We conduct Phase I surveys to identify potential cultural resources, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and landscapes. Oftentimes, we use archival research and on-the-ground assessments. If a resource shows potential significance, we move into Phase II evaluations to determine its eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
- Resource Documentation and Preservation — Our work includes creating comprehensive records for sites and structures that merit preservation. This documentation can take the form of National Register nominations or specialized records like Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation.
- Treatment Plans and Adaptive Reuse — Not every site can or should remain untouched, and part of our job is to develop feasible options. Whether it’s preserving a historic building through adaptive reuse, creating plans for site avoidance, or conducting data recovery before development, our goal is to work with clients to balance resource preservation with project needs.
- Regulatory Compliance and Strategy Development — Navigating local, state, and federal regulations can be daunting, and our team excels at assisting clients through this process. We help prepare applications, develop compliance strategies, and represent clients in reviews, ensuring that their projects meet all necessary guidelines.
- Public Interpretation and Educational Programs — We believe in the importance of sharing our findings with the public. We create public interpretation and signage plans, as well as exhibition plans, to educate and inform the community about the importance of cultural resources. Every artifact or structure has a story, and we strive to make those stories accessible to everyone.
- Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits & Property Maintenance — Our team also assists with rehabilitation tax credits, property suitability evaluations, and federal and state application documentation. Our Resource Management Plans include historic property maintenance and redevelopment guidelines, best management practices for archaeological and landscape resources, and integrated cultural resource management strategies.
As we close out National Archaeology Month, I invite you to join us in appreciating and learning about the rich cultural heritage that surrounds us. Archaeology is not just about uncovering the past—it’s about preserving it for future generations.
As part of Timmons Group, our team is excited to expand our ability to support clients and communities in recognizing and preserving their cultural heritage. Archaeology is a field that calls for curiosity and a commitment to sustainable stewardship, and our team is proud to serve our clients with those mindsets at the forefront of our work.
Interested in learning more? You can reach me at hope.smith@dutton-associates.com!
