Archival Research and Literature Review

As a function of project area background analysis, HAR researchers perform exhaustive literature review and archival research that may include the following resources:

  • State Historic Preservation Offices
  • Regional and local libraries and museums
  • Federal archives and records centers
  • Private manuscript collections

Cultural Resource Management (CRM)

When required by State or federal guidelines, HAR employs Senior Principal Investigators with experience in both Historic and Prehistoric Archaeology to supervise archaeological projects in the states of Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. In addition to being qualified to develop and lead National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance projects, the principal investigator provides key support for our core strengths in state-of-the-art electronic investigations of historic period archaeological sites, battlefields and pioneer cemeteries. HAR may also offer conventional archaeological services including but not limited to the following:

  • Phase I Archaeological Reconnaissance
  • Phase II Intensive Survey and Evaluation
  • Deep Testing
  • Phase III Data Recovery and Mitigation Projects
  • Public Outreach Planning and Education

Precision Survey & Site Mapping

Precision GPS survey and GIS mapping techniques are clearly the logical solution if an accurate and cost effective approach to deriving and analyzing spatially related data is the question. We realized the potentials of GPS/GIS in early 1993 and have utilized these survey and data analysis disciplines in many of our projects since late 1994. Sub-meter GPS survey data coupled with the GIS capability to analyze archaeological field data both graphically and statistically is a service and product that HAR pioneered.

In an effort to meet stringent client requirements and to ensure full service survey and mapping capabilities, HAR also provides (cm resolution) GPS as well as electronic total station data collection services.

Subsurface Imaging

HAR owns a state-of-the-art GSSI SIR 4000 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system. This instrument is utilized to record minute variations and disturbances in sub-surface soil permitting non-invasive investigation of both historic and prehistoric cultural deposits. Electromagnetic detection techniques may be effectively employed in relatively wide area survey resulting in a spatially oriented graphic overview that permits investigators to focus attention in areas exhibiting sub-surface anomalies.

HAR has developed survey procedures that utilize multiple electronic detection and measurement techniques, in conjunction with precision site survey and mapping, to identify and pinpoint buried features. Since early in 2000, HAR personnel have relied upon geophysical data collection technologies to locate unmarked graves and accurately map poorly defined 19th century pioneer cemeteries.

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Metal Detection

Metal detection technology may be applied in fieldwork where project objectives merit the efficient collection of metal artifacts. Over the last 30 years, general guidelines and methods for establishing metal detection survey parameters and equipment selection for use on historic archaeological sites have been developed by HAR personnel.

Metal detection reconnaissance

HAR owns a full compliment of detectors including both land and underwater VLF and pulse induction instruments, 100 kHz TR two-box type detector and hand-held magnetometers. In addition to a staff of technicians with experience in metal detection reconnaissance, HAR employs experienced part-time metal detection technicians who have exhibited the essential skills and discipline to assist us on various projects.

In short, we have the technology, experience and personnel to accomplish intensive metal artifact recovery under virtually any environmental conditions and on any size project.

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