North and Central America Excavations

General Application Requirements

Most countries and areas will need you to include these into your applications to dig:

1. Applicant Information

   • Name of the institution, university, museum, or individual researcher

   • Mailing address, phone numbers, and email contacts

   • Proof of affiliation or authorization if not the landowner

2. Project Description

   • Type of work proposed: survey, testing, excavation, or artifact removal

   • Purpose of the project: research, cultural resource management, salvage, or educational excavation

   • Methods: excavation techniques, recording systems, artifact handling, and conservation plans

3. Location Details

   • Exact site location (GPS coordinates, maps, or cadastral descriptions)

   • Land ownership (federal, state, tribal, or private)

   • Description of known or suspected archaeological resources

4. Personnel and Qualifications

   • Principal Investigator (PI): the professional archaeologist responsible for the project’s scientific quality

   • Field Director(s): supervisors who oversee daily excavation and recording

   • Team members: students, volunteers, or specialists (e.g., osteologists, conservators)

5. Timeline

   • Overall project duration

   • Estimated fieldwork dates

   • Reporting deadlines

6. Compliance and Protection Measures

   • Statement of compliance with the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) or Antiquities Act (in the U.S.)

   • Plans for protecting cultural resources, including site stabilization and artifact curation

   • Agreements with a recognized repository or museum for long-term artifact storage

7. Supporting Documentation

• Maps and scaled site plans

• Research design or proposal outlining goals and expected outcomes

• Environmental or tribal consultation documents (if required)

• Proof of insurance or institutional backing