Poster Session #2: UC South Ballroom
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Dr. Ashley Kendell
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Anthropology
Abstract / Artist's Statement
The Western United States is rich in archaeological history. In urban areas there is less development over historical sites due to the increased availability of land. During the Western Expansion of the 19th century there was rapid growth in the West, including the eventual development of residential neighborhoods in larger cities. Western expansion led to construction over preexisting historical sites deemed expendable during the time period. Preplanning and coordination with educational institutions can help prevent damage of historical remains when known human burials are disturbed. Simultaneously, coordinated efforts can assist with the management of public relations during such disturbances. Missoula currently has several unmapped historical sites that were developed over. This past August of 2016 a coordinated effort between the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, the SHPO, and the University of Montana was made during a water main utility upgrade that disturbed some historical graves. There were no preplanned coordinated efforts, and jurisdiction over the disturbance caused some miscommunication and public outcry. The purpose of this poster is to present a discussion of how inter-agency collaboration can help in preplanning for future utility or digging work in and around unmarked historical sites in urban areas. With coordination and preplanning, the appropriate avenues can be taken to monitor historic sites. Preventative measures and protocols can also be put in place for future infrastructure upgrades, which can help alleviate jurisdictional issues and public relations.
Category
Social Sciences
The Importance of Inter-agency Collaboration in Historical Site Management in Urban Areas.
UC South Ballroom
The Western United States is rich in archaeological history. In urban areas there is less development over historical sites due to the increased availability of land. During the Western Expansion of the 19th century there was rapid growth in the West, including the eventual development of residential neighborhoods in larger cities. Western expansion led to construction over preexisting historical sites deemed expendable during the time period. Preplanning and coordination with educational institutions can help prevent damage of historical remains when known human burials are disturbed. Simultaneously, coordinated efforts can assist with the management of public relations during such disturbances. Missoula currently has several unmapped historical sites that were developed over. This past August of 2016 a coordinated effort between the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, the SHPO, and the University of Montana was made during a water main utility upgrade that disturbed some historical graves. There were no preplanned coordinated efforts, and jurisdiction over the disturbance caused some miscommunication and public outcry. The purpose of this poster is to present a discussion of how inter-agency collaboration can help in preplanning for future utility or digging work in and around unmarked historical sites in urban areas. With coordination and preplanning, the appropriate avenues can be taken to monitor historic sites. Preventative measures and protocols can also be put in place for future infrastructure upgrades, which can help alleviate jurisdictional issues and public relations.