A few members of MAC’s staff specialize in historic archaeology, which is the study of cultural materials from societies with written records. Within the regions where we work, this generally refers to sites with European-American artifacts and/or features that are more than 50 years old. All members of our staff, even those who do not specialize in historic archaeology, are familiar with the basics of historic sites and prepared to record them.
Our experience with historic sites includes (but is not limited) to historic roads and trails, railroads, homesteads, mining properties, and irrigation ditches. In many cases, important historic sites are well-known prior to the commencement of a project, so we try to route the project around them to avoid excessive costs and delays. When avoidance is not possible, we record the site to meet all agency requirements. Sometimes, when there are intact or fairly intact historic buildings on a site, we may be required to conduct a more robust investigation to meet historic architecture requirements.
When historic sites are encountered on your project, we provide an evaluation of their historic significance and, when necessary, measures to mitigate damage to them. We work quickly and efficiently to keep your project moving.