Archaeology Protocol

Date Adopted: 2-7-2024
Updated: 3-31-2025

This Archaeology Protocol is to Campus Planning, Design & Construction Management, Physical Plant and Grounds Managers of Off-Campus Properties. Download the signed Protocol by D. Marshall [PDF].

Purpose

To develop consistent procedures for compliances with federal and state regulations related to the management of archaeological sites.

Discussion

In 2018, UMass Amherst enacted the UMass Amherst Policy on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (updated in 2020 and 2024) to provide information and guidance on the U.S. federal law enacted in 1990 to repatriate Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains and cultural items.  UMass committed to building lasting and respectful relationships with Native Nations in the Northeast and beyond.  The UMass Native Advisory Council co-developed a Land Acknowledgement with local Native Nations affirming our campus relationship to the land the campus is built upon and to the Nations who were the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land. Compliance with NAGPRA and the respectful use of the Land Acknowledgement is a university-wide responsibility. The goal of this protocol is to comply with legal requirements by i) whenever possible, preventing ground disturbance of known archaeological sites and areas of archaeological potential, and ii) by establishing clear procedures in the event of inadvertent discovery of archaeological or human remains during ground disturbance. Guidance on compliance with NAGPRA law that applies to inadvertent discovery of human remains is also provided in KnowHow #4 by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Application

In addition to the UMass Amherst main campus of 1,400-acres in Amherst, UMass Amherst owns nearly 3,000 additional acres and maintains properties across the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including more than two dozen parcels located outside the main campus such as the Mount Ida Campus in Newton, the Eastern Extension Center in Waltham, the Horticultural Research Center in Belchertown, the UMass Marine Station in Gloucester, the Mount Toby Demonstration Forest in Leverett and Sunderland, and the W.E.B. DuBois Boyhood Homesite in Great Barrington, which is a National Historic Landmark. The Archaeology Protocol applies to Facilities & Campus Planning staff and all contractors operating on UMass properties so that their actions will respect known archaeological sites and areas of archaeological potential.

Action

I. Grounds Manager and Project Managers: Amend contracts Division 1 Specifications 011000 Summary, Part 1 General Provisions, 1.8 General Contractor’s Use of Premises to include a new Section as follows:

F. When engaging in ground disturbing activities, the General Contractor shall be vigilant to the possible discovery of archaeological materials or human remains as required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 800) and the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act.

1. In the event of an inadvertent discovery of archaeological or cultural resources, all work will stop immediately in the vicinity of the find. Secure and protect the area and call the UMass Project Manager. A minimum 50-foot buffer should be placed around the discovery with work being able to proceed outside this buffered area unless additional cultural materials are encountered. Work will not resume within the buffer until a Project Archaeologist has been contacted to assess the situation and to advise on next steps.

2. If possible human remains are encountered, they must be treated with dignity and respect. Do not disturb them in any way. Secure the location and cover with a tarp or other temporary covering (not soil or rocks) to prevent them from being photographed, to protect them from the elements, and to allow for inspection by officials having jurisdiction. Keep the find secure and treat it with confidentiality. Call the University of Massachusetts Police Department and the UMass Project Manager. Do not call 911, do not speak with the media, and do not take photographs. (see KnowHow #4 by the Massachusetts Historical Commission)

II. Campus Planning Archaeology Review

To prevent project delays, project managers will notify Campus Planning @emailof specific projects that impact known archaeological sites and areas of archaeological potential; earlier notification is better than later.

III.Grounds Managers

Maintain and annually update an Inadvertent Discovery Plan for each property that outlines standard operating procedures and key contacts for each property in the event of an inadvertent discovery of possible human remains, archaeological or cultural resources.

IV. Project Managers

  • a) Planning to Design & Construction Management, and at the Design Development Phase) that is designed to “weed out” projects and initiatives of little archaeological concern.
  • b) Consult with a Project Archaeologist when advised, and conduct archaeological surveys as required to ensure that sensitive archaeological sites are identified and protected.

V. Available Resources