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SAVING OUR PAST:
ALASKA'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN
2011-2017
INTRODUCTION
Alaska's historic preservation community seeks to record and interpret human history
through the physical evidence of the past. This is accomplished through a variety of
activities. One is to preserve the sites, structures, buildings and objects—the real estate--
of the past. Another is the acquisition and preservation of a record of the past that
encompasses programs in oral history and moving images along with books,documents,
and photographs. Yet another activity is to enhance knowledge of the past through
research, ranging from archaeological excavations to archival investigations,and
appreciation of the past through interpretation and education. These written, oral,and
material records of times past are public wealth. With care and attention,Alaska's
heritage can promote the general welfare of all of the state's people.
Many people and entities make up Alaska's historic preservation community. This plan
is for that community, broadly defined,to help achieve supportive public policy and
sustainable funding for historic preservation. The plan also is to guide preservation
activities throughout the state. The agenda to accomplish these goals must include
working for wider recognition and appreciation of the state's cultural resources. It calls
on the historic preservation community to seek and enlist new partners.
THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
In 1971 the Alaska Legislature passed a historic preservation act for the purposes of
preserving and protecting significant historic and archaeological properties. This
legislation created a citizen's board,now known as the Alaska Historical Commission,to
advise the Governor and Legislature on historic preservation. Paving the way for passage
of this act, in 1966 the state legislature provided for designation of official historic sites
and monuments. The Governor appointed the first State Historic Preservation Officer or
SHPO,then known as the State Liaison Officer, in 1967.
Responsibility for Alaska's historic preservation program is with the Department of
Natural Resources. The department's Office of History and Archaeology in the Division
of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is the primary office in the state with expertise in
historic preservation. It provides statewide leadership in advocating and carrying out the
identification,evaluation,registration,protection,treatment, and interpretation of
historic and archaeological properties in Alaska,and provides staff assistance to the
Alaska Historical Commission.
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THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN
This third edition of Saving Our Past is intended to guide preservation activities in
Alaska through 2017,the sesquicentennial of the U.S. acquisition of Alaska. In that year,
2017,Alaskans will be invited to revisit the goals and objectives and write a new plan.
The plan's success rests on its use by citizens,organizations,government agencies,
elected officials,and preservation professionals,working together to carry out a shared
preservation agenda.
The participants involved in creating the plan in 1995,and reaffirmed by those involved
in the two revisions, identified three principal needs for historic preservation in Alaska:
• need for a statewide agenda
• need for greater public awareness and understanding of historic preservation
• need to make connections between economics and historic preservation
To meet these needs,Alaskans established six goals for historic preservation:
1. Foster respect and understanding of Alaska's archaeological and historic
resources and promote a preservation ethic.
2. Continue existing partnerships and seek new ones to expand and strengthen the
historic preservation community.
3. Expand efforts to identify, study,designate, interpret, and protect or treat
significant archaeological and historic resources.
4. Encourage consideration of archaeological and historic resources in the planning
and decision making processes of the public and private sectors.
5. Promote historic preservation as an economic development tool and provide
incentives to encourage it.
6. Encourage appropriate treatment of historic resources.
Upon review annually,these needs and goals have been reaffirmed.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
Alaska's first statewide historic preservation plan was written in 1970 and periodically
reviewed and updated. Work on a substantive revision of the plan began in the mid-
1980s. Saving Our Past was written and adopted in 1995. This is the third update of that
plan. It is the result of working with the members of the Alaska Historical Commission,
staff of the Office of History and Archaeology, Certified Local Governments and others
including communities with local preservation committees, statewide non-profit cultural
organizations, local historical societies and museums, historic property owners,and
interested citizens. All meetings of the Alaska Historical Commission were,and are,
advertised statewide and included a period when members of the public could address the
commission members about historic preservation issues of interest and concern. The
Office of History and Archaeology annually has invited comments from the public for
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program planning through its electronic month newsletter,annual workshop, nad direct
appeals to the statewide nonprofit supportive organizations.
Public and professional input
Local governments became official partners in the state historic preservation program in
1987 when two became Certified Local Governments. Now numbering thirteen,
Certified Local Government preservation commissions and staff have been essential to
the planning process. Their annual reports to the Office of History and Archaeology
provided helpful information for this plan on issues and trends affecting historic
preservation. Their input on a planning questionnaire provided insights on local needs
and issues of concern to them. Their comments on needs,requested annually by letter,
and used by the Alaska Historical Commission members to establish priorities for
proposals for funding and by the Office of History and Archaeology to determine its
programs,contributed to updating this plan.
Other groups contacted for input on the state historic preservation plan included:
• The general public
• Preservation-related professionals and those familiar with the work of the Office
of History and Archaeology, including historians, architects,anthropologists,
archaeologists, librarians and archivists
• Statewide nonprofit cultural organizations
• Local preservation commissions that are not Certified Local Governments,
historical societies,and museums
• Federal,state and local government officials, including the military
• Alaska Native groups
• Special-interest populations including ethnic communities and the disabled.
Members of these groups were invited to complete an survey. They were invited by
letter,through the Office of History and Archaeology's Heritage newsletter,and at
various meetings to provide input for the statewide preservation plan and for the office's
annual work plan.
The past two years, Office of History and Archaeology staff made a number of
presentations about the state's preservation program and introduced the goals of Saving
Alaska's Past as partners of workshops held for state historic park plans,the Alaska
Native Libraries Archives and Museums Summit,Alaska State Historic Records
Advisory Board training sessions,and community work sessions.
Survey results
The Office of History and Archaeology developed a survey made principally available
electronically. Notice of the survey was distributed to over 850 e-mail addresses,a link
posted on the Office of History and Archaeology website,notice in the Heritage
newsletter,and a statewide media release issued. The notice targeted communities and
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individuals not traditionally reached including ethnic organizations,chambers of
commerce,recreational and social organizations,and churches. It also included
educators, state legislators,mayors, local assembly and council members.
Over two hundred people responded. The survey had three demographic questions and
nine others to solicit opinions about the importance of historic preservation,threats to
Alaska's cultural resources,the effectiveness of various preservation strategies,and
solicited ideas on how to expand preservation activities and partnerships. A final
question invited respondents to make additional comments or expand on previous
answers.
Those who responded identified themselves as cultural resources professionals,
government employees, elected officials,educators,business and industry
representatives,Alaska Natives,members of preservation organizations, and interested
citizens. Eighty-six percent of those responding indicated they lived in an urban area,
about five percent more than indicated in the 2010 census.
Over half of the survey respondents said they were"reasonably informed"about historic
preservation in Alaska,and a third considered themselves"well informed."
Asked why preservation of Alaska's historic and archaeological resources is important,
respondents overwhelmingly indicated"to protect heritage as a resource for future
generations." This is different from previous surveys where"provides a sense of place"
was the top reason, Those surveyed said preserving Alaska's past was a means to
educate Alaskans, including children,about our history and cultures. Several said
historic preservation is more than saving buildings and artifacts,and said it"encourages
interest in how and why things change." Those who responded viewed historic
preservation as a tangible way to connect with the past,enhance a sense of place,and
strengthen and unify communities.
Those responding identified the most pressing challenges to historic preservation in
Alaska as demolition or neglect of historic properties,theft and vandalism particularly of
archaeological resources, lack of general public information and education about
Alaska's past and historic properties,and lack of economic incentives to stimulate private
preservation. Survey respondents rated the value of historic preservation for economic
development last.
The next few questions in the survey asked what was most needed to do a better job
protecting Alaska's historic and archaeological resources. Respondents were equally
divided in their top response between incorporating preservation of historic resources in
all planning and increasing public education. The third most frequent response was for
creation of private incentives to encourage preservation. For possible financial
incentives,the top response was for incentives to encourage private owners to rehabilitate
their properties,followed by providing more and broader access to grants,and then for
local governments to provide tax incentives. Those who identified themselves as
archaeologists and anthropologists called for grants for archaeological surveys.
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The respondents identified the state and boroughs as best able to protect historic
resources,and put local historical societies over cities,businesses,and private
individuals. In communities,respondents far preferred preservation of public buildings
and districts over neighborhoods, industrial buildings and transportation corridors. The
top response for a state preservation strategy was to incorporate preservation of historic
and archaeological resources in all public and private land use and development planning.
The second response was to provide educational materials and better access to historic
preservation information to city and borough officials. The technical assistance preferred
was for on-site training, followed by workshops.
When asked about partnerships to expand and strengthen Alaska's preservation
community,respondents suggested non-profit organization involved in culture and the
arts,tribal governments and elders, local governments,and finally schools. Some
specific suggestions included community councils,tourism businesses,chambers of
commerce, and the Alaska Legislature.
The last questions asked about preservation in the individual's community. Those
responding said the interest by municipal officials was a challenge to historic
preservation, followed by a lack of funds. They thought the most important properties to
preserve in their communities were the main streets and downtown businesses,then
archaeological sites,followed by public buildings.
Revision of the plan
Annual reviews will be conducted through 2017. The Alaska Historical Commission and
the Office of History and Archaeology will review and discuss the goals and objectives,
and will use the document to direct annual work plans and to measure accomplishments.
The Office of History and Archaeology will seek comments on the goals and objectives
from the Certified Local Governments and the principal statewide support groups
annually. A statewide press release and Heritage,the Office of History and
Archaeology's electronic newsletter,will be used to solicit comments from the public. A
series of public meetings should be held around the state starting in 2017 in anticipation
of writing a new plan.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION RESOURCES IN ALASKA
Alaska's cultural resources include archaeological,historical,architectural,and
paleontological sites. More than 36,000 historic,archaeological,and paleontological
sites around Alaska have been identified and entered into an inventory,the Alaska
Heritage Resources Survey(AHRS). As of January 1,2011,the National Register of
Historic Places,a federal program listing properties determined to merit preservation,has
407 Alaska listings,many of which encompass more than one property. Every region of
the state is represented by the more than fifteen hundred listed buildings,sites,and
structures. Entries include commercial districts, industrial structures,public buildings,
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private houses,archaeological sites,historic aircraft, shipwreck and battle sites,
landscapes and traditional cultural places. These resources tell Alaska's story. They are
tangible links to the past and provide Alaskans a basis for identity.
Archaeological sites are the state's most common cultural resource. Sites vary from the
camps of early North American inhabitants to deteriorated remains from the Cold War.
For Alaska's Natives,archaeological sites are a particularly important link with the land
and their ancestors. Archaeologists find information about people who lived in Alaska
through scientific excavations. The greatest dangers to archaeological sites are
vandalism,natural erosion,climate change,and unmanaged development. These destroy
the critical artifact relationships within a site.
Historic properties are usually best preserved when they are in use. Threats to historic
buildings and structures include abandonment and vandalism,deterioration from lack of
maintenance,development,and in many instances insensitive additions and
modernization. The toughest challenges with historic resources usually are not issues of
identification and registration,but issues of preservation and treatment. Appropriate
restoration of historic buildings and maintenance of their original character are important.
Restoration using environmentally friendly materials is increasingly of interest and
concern. Building assessments and reuse studies help owners find new uses for a
property and, importantly, help residents define the type of community they want.
Preservation incentive programs encourage reuse and help return buildings and structures
to tax rolls.
Most buildings and structures in Alaska today were built within the past fifty years.
Many of these buildings are marked by sleek lines,smooth facades,and extensive use of
glass that reflect changes in style,design and technology that occurred through the last
fifty years. Those of exceptional architectural significance or associated with major
events and important individuals need to be recognized. Planning to preserve and protect
their important and distinctive characteristics needs to start now.
In the past few years,preservationists have been emphasizing landscapes,traditional
cultural places,and shipwrecks. Alaska has significant resources in these categories.
There is need to provide the preservation community with information and training on
how to consider these resources and why they are significant. There also is the need to
identify and document a number of them. Equally important is public outreach to help
Alaskans understand the significance of these resources and to get them involved in their
preservation.
For information about the sites, structures,buildings, and objects of Alaska's past,
historians and archaeologists rely on photographs,documents,oral histories,and films.
These resources are found in archives, libraries,museums,cultural centers,government
offices,and private collections. Alaska has over fifty institutions around the state
preserving these records, but many of these records are in repositories outside of the state.
Thanks to the Internet, many materials are more readily accessible. Alaska's Digital
Library,a cooperative project of the University of Alaska Fairbanks,University of
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Alaska Anchorage,Alaska State Library,and Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
have made over four thousand historic photographs and documents available in a
searchable computer database to all Alaskans. The Northwest Digital Archives, located
in Washington state, is making materials about Alaska better known and available as are
other institutions and public agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and Library of
Congress.
Understanding Alaska's cultural resources
Defining Alaska by geographic regions,determining meaningful themes,and dividing
periods of time in Alaska history continues to be discussed and subject to disagreement.
The themes,places,and time periods below are broad and not meant to be exclusive.
They have provided,however,helpful guidance and parameters for historic preservation
thought,analysis,and planning. Bringing together themes,place and time using sites,
structures,buildings and objects,can result in useful historic contexts to help understand
the past. The information helps make reasoned decisions regarding significant places,
events,people,and buildings in Alaska's past.
Themes:
• Population movements,exploration and settlement
This theme begins with the first inhabitants of northwestern North America. The
theme includes the peopling of North America,European voyages to the North
Pacific,and mapping. It encompasses creation of settlements to the present. It
includes neighborhoods, subdivisions, and houses.
• Survival and adaptation
This theme deals with traditional lifeways of Alaska Natives. It also includes
technological adaptations,during the historic period,such as developments in
arctic engineering.
• Military and government
This theme addresses the organization of government in Alaska, including local
and tribal governments,and definition of relationships between Alaska,the
federal government,and the world. It also includes military assigned to Alaska to
govern,explore,maintain order,and prevent and respond to foreign invasion.
• Industrial,commercial and economic development
This theme includes development of natural resources found in Alaska and
adjacent waters,and the exchange of goods and services.
• Transportation and communication
This theme encompasses moving people and goods from one place to another. It
includes overland routes,depots and waystations,ports and airfields,as well as
railroad rolling stock, ships and boats,and airplanes. The theme includes contact
between people that can include the postal service,telegraph,radio, and satellite
communications.
• Intellectual and social institutions
This theme covers intellectual,artistic,and architectural reflections on Alaska. It
includes music, literature,drama,art,and intellectual currents. It includes
organizations that deal with human interactions,among them schools,hospitals,
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churches, libraries, and museums. It includes social values, change, and conflict.
It includes traditional cultural properties. It includes buildings and structures of
defined architectural styles. The theme also includes designed landscapes, such
as parks, cemeteries, and traditional cultural places.
• Natural history and disasters
This theme includes natural landscapes. It also includes properties associated
with natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions as well
as human disasters including epidemics of disease and environmental damage.
Place: Alaskans interact in a number of geographic communities. Events in Alaska have
rarely been in isolation from associations around the world or from associations with a
neighboring community. Examples include exploration, use of Alaska's natural
resources, transportation, and military activities.
• Global
• The North Pacific rim
• The Polar rim
• Northern North America
• The United States of America
• The State of Alaska
• Regions of Alaska
Interior
Southeast
Southcentral
Southwest
Northwest
Arctic
• Local
Time periods: [BP denotes before present] Economic, political, social and cultural
events do not neatly fall within the starting and ending dates given below. Each period of
time, however, has significant events within the date range, such as the gold rushes of the
early U.S. era. There is always danger using words such as first or discovery. It is
generally accepted, however, that people were on land in Alaska 12,000 years ago.
Although Europeans knew of Alaska, Vitus Bering's voyage in 1741 is considered the
discovery voyage. The dates for the recent past have included fify years ago, a
generation ago, five years ago, and last year. What is generally agreed is that Alaska has
changed dramatically since statehood in 1959.
• Before 100,000 BP pre-Pleistocene era
• 100,000-12,000 BP Pleistocene era(last major ice age)
• 12,000-6,000 BP early Holocene era
• 6,000-3,000 BP middle Holocene era
• 3,000 BP-1000 late Holocene era
• 1000-1741 late prehistoric era
• 1741-1867 Russian and Euroamerican era
• 1867-1912 early U.S. era
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• 1912-1938 World War I and Great Depression era
• 1938-1959 World War II and early Cold War era
• 1959-1970 early State of Alaska era
• 1970-present Prudhoe Bay oil era
Alaska's historic preservation stewards
Before passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966,a historic preservation
community existed in Alaska. Its members include interested citizens,historians,
archaeologists,architects, landscape designers,developers,and tourism promoters. Local
historical societies organized in at least a half dozen Alaska communities during the
1950s. The State of Alaska had a historic sites committee planning for the 1967 Alaska
Purchase Centennial commemoration. The National Park Service conducted several
studies in Alaska at the same time for designating significant historic sites and
monuments and National Historic Landmarks. For a brief time in the 1920s there was an
Alaska Historical Society. Starting in the 1960s,new statewide organizations formed to
promote Alaska's history and prehistory. Still active today are the Alaska
Anthropological Association,the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation,the
Alaska Historical Society, and Museums Alaska. Among the members of these groups
are interested individuals concerned about the importance of the past and the quality of
life in their communities. Many owners of historic properties are part of this
constituency. Professional historians,archaeologists,anthropologists,and architects are
active members. Combined,these groups number over 1,200 individuals and
organizations. Over fifty local historical societies,museums,cultural centers, and friends
groups are active around the state. Many of these organizations are stewards of historic
properties.
The Alaska Legislature passed a state historic preservation act in 1971. The legislation
created a statewide citizen's advisory and review board, now known as the Alaska
Historical Commission. Members include a historian,archaeologist,architect,and
Native representative. The nine-member commission is chaired by the Lieutenant
Governor. It meets a minimum of two times a year, and encourages participation by the
public. Among its responsibilities,the Alaska Historical Commission advises the
governor and legislature on historic preservation issues around the state.
The State of Alaska has several other programs concerned with Alaska's cultural
heritage. The State Archives,Historical Collections of the State Library, State and
Sheldon Jackson museums are part of the Department of Education and Early
Development. The Alaska State Arts Council has a cultural centers program. Other
departments, among them Fish and Game,have cultural resources staff working on
research and planning projects. The University of Alaska has departments of history and
anthropology,a museum,and archives with historic manuscript and photograph
collections. Courses offered include Alaska studies,cultural resources management,and
museum studies.
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All federal agencies have a preservation officer, and many have cultural resources
professionals working in Alaska. The National Trust for Historic Preservation,a private
non-profit organization,has at least one advisor in Alaska and a Western Regional Office
to provide technical assistance. The Smithsonian Institution has a field office,the Arctic
Studies Center, in Anchorage that promotes archaeological, anthropological,and historic
research and provides assistance to museums and research programs around the state.
The National Endowment for the Humanities funds the Alaska Humanities Forum that
has an Alaska History and Cultural Studies secondary-level curriculum and makes grants,
a number that have assisted with history and anthropology research projects.
Thirteen Alaska communities participate in the Certified Local Government program for
historic preservation and have local citizens' commissions. Several other communities
have historic preservation commissions,but are not certified programs. Several city and
borough governments in the state have cultural resources professionals on staff. There
are a number of independent historians, architects,archaeologists,and anthropologists
who do consulting work for federal and state agencies, local governments,tribal
governments,and private developers including the Native regional and village
corporations created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Alaska's Native people have long been advocates of preserving cultural resources. The
landmark Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 recognized the importance of
archaeological sites,cemeteries, and spiritual sites. With passage of the Native
Americans Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the amendments to the National
Historic Preservation Act in 1991,Alaska Natives are increasing their participation in
public preservation programs,particularly regarding resources on their lands. A growing
number of Native organizations and businesses employ historic preservation
professionals. Several have cultural centers to preserve their languages and traditions and
to protect historic and archaeological sites. The regional corporations jointly established
the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage that has a major education project for
primary and secondary students and programs and exhibits for residents and visitors.
Several have prepared tribal cultural resources preservation plans.
The Office of History and Archaeology
The office,established in 1970,receives funding from federal and state sources. The
State of Alaska enacted the Alaska Historic Preservation Act in 1971 and adopted
program regulations. The nine-member Alaska Historical Commission,with seven
citizen members appointed by the governor who represent Alaska Native people,
archaeology, history and architecture,advise the governor and legislators on history and
archaeology policy, is also the state review board for the federal Historic Preservation
Fund programs in the state. The staff administers these programs and the state
archaeological survey program. The office had relatively stable funding until 1986. In
recent years its funding has stabilized again,but is less than what it was before 1986.
The office has a number of responsibilities. Those addressing the physical remains of the
past—sites,buildings,and structures—include:
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• maintaining a current historic preservation plan
• expanding the statewide survey of historic and archaeological properties
• maintaining an inventory
• nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places
• assisting local governments in developing historic preservation programs
• participating in review of federal and state funded projects that may impact
historic properties
• providing public information,training,and technical assistance about historic
preservation
• reviewing rehabilitation tax credit projects associated with historic preservation
• encouraging rehabilitation of significant historic properties.
Other duties of the Alaska Historical Commission and staff include encouraging and
supporting research,writing and publication of information about Alaska's past,serving
as the state clearinghouse for naming geographic features,and conducting special studies
related to the state's historic,prehistoric,and archaeological resources. A major initiative
is researching use of Alaska's waterways for travel,trade,and commerce to determine
ownership of the stream and riverbeds.
STATEWIDE FACTORS AFFECTING HISTORIC RESOURCES
The issues and opportunities facing historic preservation in Alaska are influenced by the
state's population, land ownership,economics, education,government,tribal
governments, and transportation.
Population
The population of Alaska in 2010 was 710,331 people. Of the total,over eighty percent
reside in urban areas. Half of the urban population lives in the greater Anchorage area in
southcentral Alaska. Demographers predict Alaska's urban areas and regional centers
will grow and many of the over two hundred villages will continue to lose population.
The state's population is more ethnically diverse than it was thirty years ago. Hispanic,
Asian,Pacific Islander, and African American populations have increased and together
are fifteen percent of the state's population. Alaska's Native population is growing
numerically,but continues to decline in proportion to the state's overall population.
Today,Alaska Natives are fifteen percent of the population. In 1920 they were fifty-one
percent. Today,about one in six Alaskans is an Alaska Native. Alaska Natives are a
larger percentage of Native Americans than in any other state. Alaska's median age was
34 in 2010 whereas the median age was 26 in 1980.
The military,present since Alaska was acquired by the U.S. from Russia in 1867,became
a significant component of Alaska's population and a mainstay of the economy during
World War II and has continued to be so. In 2009,there were 24,449 military personnel
assigned to Alaska,comprising almost five percent of Alaska's population. The military
personnel had 33,897 dependents. The military population is largely young and
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transient. Many facilities at the Alaska bases to carry out their missions,for training,and
for personnel support date from the 1950s and need to be upgraded for current needs.
Where Alaskans live impacts cultural resources. In isolated rural areas there are empty
buildings and unwatched archaeological sites. In urban areas, growth impacts historic
resources as new roads are built,new utilities are installed, commercial areas are
expanded,and additional subdivisions are created. A significant portion of Alaska's
population is transient,due in large part to the military and seasonal nature of fishing,
mining,and tourism. Historic preservation can help newcomers better understand their
new community and the state. Historic preservation can also project a quality of life that
attracts investment to communities. With the dramatic increase in Hispanic,Asian,
Pacific Islander and African American populations in Alaska,the preservation
community needs to think about how historic buildings and sites are interpreted and to
seek inclusive meanings.
Land ownership
When Alaska became a state in 1959, less than one percent of its land was privately
owned and the federal government managed the remainder. The federal government
already had designated millions of acres as national forests,parks, monuments, fish,
wildlife and a petroleum reserve. Of note, some,but quite little, land had been reserved
for Alaska's Native people. Statehood,the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of
1971,and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 caused major
shifts. After the land transfers directed by these laws are completed,the federal
government will have fifty-nine percent of Alaska's land and the State of Alaska will
have twenty-eight percent. Native corporations will own twelve percent. Other private
ownership of land remains less than two percent.
Management philosophies for federal, state,and Native lands impact cultural resources
on the land. Of the 243 million acres of land owned by the federal government,twenty-
three percent is wilderness. A total of fifty-four percent of federal land is designated
parks,preserves, and wildlife refuges(including wilderness areas). Some federal lands
are open for oil,grazing,timber leasing and mineral development. The military uses a
significant part of Alaska's federal lands for training. Native and state lands are being
managed for multiple uses, but primarily to provide revenue. Perhaps ten percent of
Alaska's vast land has been surveyed for archaeological and historic sites. Of three
thousand shipwrecks along Alaska's coast, less than one percent have been surveyed.
Economics
Oil from Prudhoe Bay,discovered in 1967,continues to drive Alaska's economy. During
the 1970s,when the pipeline to transport the oil from the North Slope to the year-round
port of Valdez was under construction,the pace of change in Alaska was extremely rapid.
The population of Alaska significantly increased and there were many new high-paying
jobs. Oil production from Prudhoe Bay peaked in 1988. Currently,the health care
industry is the most rapidly expanding industry for jobs in Alaska, requiring skilled,
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trained workers and paying well. Jobs in service industries do not pay as well as oil
industry or health care jobs.
Around Alaska,new mines for a variety of minerals have opened and a number are being
prepared to open with the prices paid,notably for gold,very high at present. Mining was
Alaska's second largest industry from the 1880s to the 1940s,and a number of buildings
and structures remain around the state from mining operations active during those years.
Some historic mining buildings have been adapted to the needs of mining operations
today,and others have been adapted for other uses. But many mine buildings and
structures are no longer necessary,are too expensive to repair and use,are unsafe,or have
been abandoned. The ground disturbance necessary to construct the infrastructure to
operate mines and transport ore,as well as the trend to open pit mining,pose threats to
archaeological and historic sites.
Alaska has huge reserves of natural gas. The State of Alaska and private industry have
and continue to study projects to economically move the gas to markets. The favored
means to transport the gas is through pipelines. If found economically feasible,
construction of pipelines will require a large workforce,and after construction there will
be jobs to operate them. Prior to construction,environmental review and clearance,
including for cultural resources,will be needed, and during construction,monitoring will
be essential to protect archaeological sites.
Today fish processing is dominated by flying fresh fish to markets and off-shore frozen
fish processors. Salmon canning,Alaska's largest industry from the 1880s to the 1950s,
continues but there are far fewer facilities than in the past. At some, buildings have been
adapted to meet current canning needs. A few canneries have been preserved and
adapted as heritage tourism sites. There are a number of abandoned canneries A
number have been demolished because of deterioration and liability concerns.
Alaska's economy benefits from tourism. It provides many jobs around the state. In
2010 the out-of-state visitors totaled 1,505,600, down from a peak of 1,714,100 in 2007.
Of the total,fifty-eight percent are cruise ship passengers. When surveyed,many visitors
said the enjoyed heritage sites and learning how people lived in the north. The totem
parks at Ketchikan and Saxman,the gold rush era town of Skagway,the Alaska Native
Heritage Center and Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center in Anchorage and the
University of Alaska's Museum of the North in Fairbanks were among the top visitor
destinations. Historic preservation programs, in Juneau and Skagway in particular,
revitalized downtowns, returned underused historic buildings to productive service,and
promoted community history. For the past ten years,the Department of Transportation
has promoted the scenic byways program and enhanced visitor attractions, including
several historic buildings,along Alaska's highways. The agency has installed
interpretive signs at a number of highway waysides. In 2008 Congress designated the
Turnagain Arm Kenai Mountains Heritage Corridor Efforts continue to promote year-
round tourism. At present,ninety percent of the visitors come between May and
September. As a consequence,a number of businesses,particularly in downtown areas,
are closed during the winter months.
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A contributor to the state's economy is the Alaska Permanent Fund created by the State
of Alaska to save a portion of the revenue from oil development. Annually,each resident
who applies and meets established requirements,received a share of the interest from the
fund's investments. Recently,residents could elect to donate all or part of their dividend
to a qualified nonprofit organization that applied and met established criteria. This
program, known as Pick.Click.Give,is being used by groups that engage in education. It
might be a source to help fund additional historic preservation and heritage education
programs.
Education
All of the state's school districts teach Alaska studies at the primary level. Successfully
completing an Alaska history course or demonstrating proficiency in the subject became
a state requirement to graduate from high school in 2004. The State Board of Education
has approved standards for history that call for knowledge of the state's history.
Performance standards explicitly for Alaska history have been adopted. Alaska's private
and public post-secondary institutions all offer Alaska archaeology,anthropology,and
history courses. The University of Alaska Fairbanks has graduate programs in
anthropology and northern studies,and the University of Alaska Anchorage has one in
anthropology. To be a certified teacher in Alaska's public schools, an individual must
take and pass an upper-division Alaska studies course. At least one private education
organization regularly offers courses in Alaska history,government,and cultural
interaction for adults,directed to employees of national and international corporations
with offices in Anchorage.
A public history program,at least at one of Alaska's post-secondary institutions would be
welcomed by the historic preservation community. The idea has been discussed and
investigated by the statewide nonprofit organizations. The discussions have included talk
of a certificate program for undergraduate history and anthropology majors. At present
graduate students can emphasize public history or cultural resources management in their
programs,but a named program with core courses needs to continue to be explored,
Despite these efforts,many residents are unfamiliar with Alaska's prehistory and history.
Many residents are relative newcomers to the state. The military and the non-military
non-Native populations are very transient. These groups in particular,but all Alaskans,
would benefit from information about Alaska's cultural resources,Alaska's past, and
relevant preservation legislation.
Several federal agencies have history and archaeology education programs. These
include the Bureau of Land Management's Project Archaeology and recently, iTrec or
Iditarod Trail in Every Classroom,the National Park Service's Teaching with Historic
Places,and and the U.S. Forest Service's Passport in Time. The state agencies concerned
with Alaska's past have prepared public education materials, including pamphlets,
publications,video and compact disk programs, learning kits, and exhibits. The four
statewide nonprofit organizations concerned with cultural resources have education
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programs. Coordination could make these public education programs more effective.
There is an opportunity to use and emphasize historic and archaeological sites and
buildings in public education programs. The activities of Preservation Month, sponsored
by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,Alaska Archaeology Month,and History
Day could be expanded. People of all ages would benefit from expanded heritage
education programs and they need to be ongoing.
Alaskans are proud of their state and heritage, however,they need a stronger historic
preservation ethic. Misconceptions about historic preservation,among them that
buildings and structures cannot be changed in any way if designated historic, are
frequently voiced. Some Alaskans do not want any government involvement with their
property. Others want more evidence that historic preservation is sound economic
development.
Government and transportation
Federal, state, local and tribal governments have leaders and programs for cultural
resource matters. They establish the legal basis and regulatory framework for protecting
cultural resources on public lands. Government, including the military,provides
employment for 32.8 percent of Alaska's working-age population and provides funds for
many projects around the state. Cuts in funding and personnel at all levels of government
threaten to reduce public investment in preservation programs and cultural resources.
Government construction of new roads,airports,and harbor facilities,and improvement
of old facilities frequently impact cultural resources. The same is true for cleanup of
unused mining, World War II, and Cold War sites. The effects of these activities on
cultural resources depend on the commitment to historic preservation by citizens and
elected officials. At a minimum,many construction projects have resulted in the
collection and preservation of drawings,maps,photographs,and historic information.
There is no substitute,however,for the preservation of a historic property.
Local governments are critical to the success of historic preservation. The federal
historic preservation act came about because of grassroots opposition to interstate
highway and urban renewal programs that failed to consider historic properties and
community wishes. Local governments can establish historic districts through zoning,
enact design review ordinances,and provide property tax incentives. At this time,the
Fairbanks North Star Borough is the only local unit of government in Alaska to provide a
property tax incentive for rehabilitating historic properties. This incentive is limited to
assisting nonprofit organizations.
Tribal governments also can be critical to the success of historic preservation in Alaska.
The federal historic preservation program has programs for tribes and works with
recognized tribal preservation officers. Federal and state agencies have directives to
consult with tribal governments,and to do so early in project and program development.
Environment
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The daily effects of wind and annual break-up of the river ice have forced people to move
buildings throughout Alaska's past. These have also destroyed many archaeological
sites. Today, debate abounds about climate change, and it is true the average
temperatures and seas around Alaska are rising. Some coastal communities are facing
more rapid loss of buildings and roads because of higher water levels. Some
communities will have to relocate. In such cases, decisions about which properties to
abandon and which to move could mean the loss of historic buildings and structures.
Permafrost, found in all parts except the southern coastal areas of the state, is melting
more rapidly than in the past. The resulting poorly drained soils are causing buildings to
shift and sink. Again, decisions need to be made about what ones will be moved. Of
note, the melting of ice patches and glaciers has, interestingly, led to discoveries of
important archaeological sites and ancient artifacts. The discoveries have included
organic material and provided scientists with a great deal of new, significant data.
Environmental change has many people calling for energy efficiency. There is interest in
reusing materials, which is of benefit to historic preservation. There is also interest in
new products and replacing older, inefficient ones. Research, conversation, and guidance
are needed for sensible retrofitting of historic buildings and structures and reducing
unwise demolition waste.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES, 2011-2017
Forty years ago, the State of Alaska began a historic preservation program. Alaska's
Heritage Resources 1971-1976 guided the program through its organizational years.
Saving Our Past has guided the state program and provided a statewide framework for
historic preservation since enacted in 1995. This is the third revision of that plan. This
plan provides the framework for a statewide agenda for historic preservation's many
different constituents to work together to preserve Alaska's historic and archaeological
properties.
The overall mission of this statewide plan is to achieve supportive public policy and
sustainable funding for historic preservation in Alaska.
To achieve this mission, citizens, organizations, government agencies, communities, and
preservation professionals need to work together. The following goals and objectives are
intended to guide preservation activities as Alaska approaches the 150th anniversary of
becoming U.S. territory.
Goal 1: Foster respect and understanding of Alaska's archaeological and historic
resources and promote a preservation ethic.
• Interpret archaeological and historic sites to educate the public.
• Improve awareness of and access to historic preservation information.
• Encourage accuracy of information about historic places and archaeological sites.
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• Support place-based service learning educator training and development of
elementary, secondary, and post-secondary programs and high-quality materials that
teach about Alaska's archaeological and historic resources.
• Outline a viable coordinated, preservation education outreach program.
• Use Alaska Archaeology Month and Preservation Month to make historic
preservation more visible.
• Provide materials and training about historic preservation laws, standards, and
guidelines, and encourage widespread participation in protection of archaeological
and historic resources
Goal 2: Continue existing partnerships and seek new ones to expand and strengthen
the historic preservation community.
• Support and strengthen local historic preservation efforts, particularly establishment
of preservation commissions, enactment of preservation ordinances, and preservation
planning.
• Encourage Alaska Native people and their organizations to identify concerns and
develop strategies and programs to protect their cultural resources.
• Encourage nonprofit organizations, among them the statewide Alaska
Anthropological Association, Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, Alaska
Historical Society, and Museums Alaska,to promote historic preservation.
• Foster responsible stewardship of cultural resources by land owners, private
individuals and groups, and public agencies.
• Use new technologies and hands-on participation to improve communication among
organizations and involvement of individuals interested in historic preservation.
• Seek to work with new constituencies such as conservation groups, ethnic
populations, trail organizations, land trusts, realtors and building contractors.
Goal 3: Expand efforts to identify,study, designate, interpret,and protect or treat
significant archaeological and historic resources.
• Conduct archaeological and historic surveys to identify and evaluate sites, buildings,
and structures.
• Improve the statewide inventory of cultural resources sites; in particular efficient
entry and update of site information.
• Encourage communities and Native governing entities to survey, document,
recognize through local registers, interpret,and protect or treat historic and
archaeological properties.
• Prepare historic contexts to more efficiently manage historic and archaeological
resources.
• Document properties for the National Register of Historic Places and the Alaska
Landmarks Register to recognize significant heritage resources.
• Continue coordination and training among the professional preservation community.
• Incorporate cultural landscapes,traditional cultural places, trails, shipwrecks, recent
past properties, heritage corridors and areas into preservation programs.
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Goal 4: Encourage consideration of archaeological and historic resources in the
planning and decision making processes of the public and private sectors.
• Review at state and local levels development projects to assure all reasonable steps
are taken to protect cultural resources.
• Review emergency response laws and plans so cultural resources receive maximum
protection in the event of a disaster.
• Promote local preservation program involvement in their community's permitting
process to ensure cultural resources are considered.
• Seek inclusion of preservation concerns in state and local plans.
• Encourage state and local agencies to be responsible stewards of archaeological and
historic resources on lands they manage.
Goal 5: Promote historic preservation as an economic development tool and
provide incentives to encourage it.
• Demonstrate that historic preservation is a successful economic development tool to
maintain, enhance, and revitalize communities and to promote tourism.
• Seek funding for the state revolving loan fund and from other sources such as
foundations to assist with preservation of historic projects.
• Support efforts to expand or establish tax incentives at local, state, and national levels
for preservation of archaeological and historic properties.
• Encourage incentive programs in the private and nonprofit communities for historic
and archaeological resources.
• Endorse initiatives by local, state, and national agencies for historic resources,
including zoning, easements,and creation of heritage areas.
Goal 6: Encourage appropriate treatment of historic resources.
• Promote the use of The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of
Historic Properties and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for
Archeology and Historic Preservation.
• Increase familiarity with building and safety codes with respect to historic properties.
• Provide technical information and assistance about maintenance for historic and
archaeological properties to assist in their long-term viability.
• Promote conservation easements for historic and archaeological properties.
• Encourage design review of historic properties to retain historic elements..
These goals and objectives are ambitious. They attempt to address the many facets of
historic preservation. The Alaska Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation
Officer, Office of History and Archaeology will annually review the goals and objectives
and solicit input from their partners and the general public. The input will be used to set
priorities for their work and to recommend activities for the Certified Local
Governments.
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With an emphasis on education the historic preservation community can generate greater
public awareness of the value of Alaska's historic and archaeological resources. These
resources have a major role in building livable,vibrant communities and promoting
heritage tourism. They are economic and social assets. A commitment by different
constituencies to work together will advance Alaska's historic preservation agenda.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Caring for the Past Managing for the
Future: Federal Stewardship and America's Historic Legacy. Washington, D.C.: 2001.
Alaska Conservation Foundation. Guide to Alaska's Cultures. Anchorage: 2003.
Alaska 20/20. Alaska Progress Report. Anchorage,Alaska: 2004.
Antonson,Joan M.and William S. Hanable. Alaska's Heritage. Anchorage: The Alaska
Historical Society for the Alaska Historical Commission, 1986.
Cole,Terrence M. Blinded by Riches: The Permanent Funding Problem and the
Prudhoe Bay Effect. Anchorage,Alaska: Institute for Social and Economic Research,
University of Alaska,2004.
Dumond,Don. The Eskimos and Aleuts. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 1977.
Hanson,Diane K. "Cultural Resource Management in Alaska,"Alaska Journal of
Anthropology, Vol. 5,No. 2 (2007):1-15.
Haycox, Stephen. Alaska:An American Colony. Seattle: Washington University Press,
2002.
Hoagland,Alison K. Buildings of Alaska. Society of Architectural Historians Buildings
of the United States series. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.
Keith,Brynn,Alaska Economic Trends, Vol. 31,No. 6(Juneau: Alaska Department of
Labor and workforce Development,June 2011).
Langdon, Steve J. The Native People of Alaska: Traditional Living in a Northern Land.
Anchorage,Alaska: Greatland Graphics,2002.
Lawson, Barry R., Ellen P. Ryan,Rebecca Barlett Hutchison. Reaching Out, Reaching
In: A Guide to Creating Effective Public Participation for State Historic Preservation
Programs. Susan L. Henry,editor. Washington,D.C.: National Park Service,
Interagency Resources Division, 1993.
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Leask, Linda, Mary Killorin, Stephanie Martin. Trends in Alaska's People and Economy.
Anchorage: Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage
and Alaska Humanities Forum, 2001.
Sturtevant, William C., general editor. Handbook of North American Indians. Arctic,
David Damas,volume editor; Volume 7:Northwest Coast, Wayne Suttles,volume editor;
Volume 6: Subarctic,June Helm,volume editor. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian
Institutioin, 1981-1990.
U.S. Department of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and
Guidelines for Preservation Planning. Washington,D.C.: 1983.
. Federal Historic Preservation Laws. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service,
2002.
APPENDICES:
I. Statewide nonprofit groups and Certified Local Governments
II. Federal and state historic preservation laws
III. Glossary
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Appendix I: Statewide nonprofit groups and Certified Local Governments
Many federal and state agencies, local governments,Native organizations, historical
societies and museums work closely with the Alaska Historical Commission and Office
of History and Archaeology. This list is limited to the major statewide nonprofit
organizations and Alaska's Certified Local Governments.
Alaska Anthropological Association
P.O. Box 241686
Anchorage, Alaska 99524-1686
alaskaanthropology.org
The Alaska Anthropological Association provides for communication between
professional anthropologists and archaeologists, students, and nonprofessionals with a
serious interest in Native and other peoples of Alaska, past and present.
Alaska Association for Historic Preservation
645 West Third Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-2174
907.929.9870
preservation@gci.net
alaskaahp.org
The Alaska Association for Historical Preservation works to preserve Alaska's
archaeological and historic resources through education, promotion, and advocacy. The
organization annually identifies ten of the state's most endangered historic properties and
provides funds to several of them for rehabilitation projects to aid in their preservation.
Alaska Historical Society
P.O. Box 100299
Anchorage, Alaska 99510-0299
907.276-1596
akhist@gci.net
alaskah i storical soc iety.org
The Alaska Historical Society is dedicated to the promotion of Alaskan history
through the exchange of ideas and information, the preservation and interpretation of
resources, and the education of Alaskans about their heritage.
Museums Alaska
P.O. Box 200392
Homer, Alaska 99520-0392
907.235.6078
museum@alaska.net
museumsalaska.org
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Museums Alaska promotes the protection and preservation of objects, specimens,
records, and sites significant to the natural and human history of Alaska.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Western Office
8 California Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, California 94111-4828
415.956.0610
nationaltrust.org
The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides technical advice and
financial assistance to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and individuals involved
in protection of historic resources.
Certified Local Governments
North Slope Borough
P.O. Box 69
Barrow, Alaska 99723-0069
907.852.0320
Certified April 20, 1987
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
350 East Dahlia Avenue
Palmer, Alaska 99645
907.745.9859
Certified September 8, 1987
City and Borough of Juneau
Community Development Department
155 South Seward Street
Juneau, Alaska 99801
907.586.0781
Certified March 7, 1988
City of Dillingham
P.O. Box 889
Dillingham, Alaska 99576-0889
907.842.5211
Certified March 30, 1990
City of Unalaska
Department of Parks, Culture and Recreation
P.O. Box 610
Unalaska,Alaska 99685-0610
907.581.1297
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Certified January 24, 1991
City of Ketchikan
629 Dock Street
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
907.225.5600
Certified January 31, 1991
City of Fairbanks
800 Cushman Street
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
907.459.6793
Certified March 17, 1992
Fairbanks North Star Borough
P.O. Box 71267
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267
907.459.1262
Certified March 17, 1992
City of Seward
P.O. Box 167
Seward,Alaska 99664-0167
907.224.4048
Certified May 18, 1992
City and Borough of Sitka
100 Lincoln Street
Sitka, Alaska 99835
907.747.5553
Certified April 14, 1994
City of Kenai
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Suite 200
Kenai, Alaska 99611-7794
907.283.7535
Certified February 7, 1995
Municipality of Anchorage
632 West Sixth Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
907.343.7117
Certified March 30, 1995
City of Cordova
P.O. Box 391
23
Cordova, Alaska 99574-0391
907.424.6665
Certified October 19, 1995
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Appendix II
Historic Preservation laws
Only the provisions regarding historic preservation are cited. Users should consult the
complete text of the law. Copies of the laws can be obtained electronically or through
public libraries.
State laws
Alaska Historic Preservation Act of 1971
• sets state policy regarding historic, archaeological and fossil resources under
management of the Department of Natural Resources
• creates the Alaska Historical Commission
• authorizes a statewide inventory of historic properties
• provides for review of public construction projects to decrease impacts to historic
properties
• establishes criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized impacts to or trade in
resources unlawfully obtained from state lands(including submerged and tide
lands)
• sets permitting process for legal recovery and use of historic, archaeological and
fossil resources
Historic District Revolving Loan Fund
• allows the State of Alaska to make low-interest loans for rehabilitation of historic
properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Federal laws
Antiquities Act of 1906
• establishes federal management authority over cultural and scientific resources
• grants the President of the United States the authority to protect areas of public
land by designating national monuments
• guides public resource management through its concepts of conservation and
protection
• includes an enforcement provision with penalties for criminal actions that injure
or destroy historic or prehistoric ruins or monuments or objects of antiquity
• establishes permitting provisions under which qualified individuals or groups can
conduct research in the public interest on public lands
• required federal agencies with jurisdiction over federal lands to maintain a
program for carrying out the act
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended
• creates state historic preservation offices in each state
• expands the National Register of Historic Places
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• establishes a federal-state-local-Indian tribes partnership
• establishes a review procedure for federally funded and licensed projects (Section
106 review)
• defines requirements for preservation programs in federal agencies(Section 110)
• directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a preservation and education and
training program
Department of Transportation Act, Declaration of Purpose and Section 4(f) of 1966
• establishes federal policy that special effort should be made to preserve the
natural beauty of the countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife
and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites
• transportation programs and projects shall seek prudent and feasible alternatives
to impact land of an historic site of national, state or local significance
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
• sets policy for producing balanced evaluation among varied resources, including
historic and cultural properties
• provides an interdisciplinary approach to decisions for resource use and
preservation which is presented to the public in environmental impact statements
and assessments
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971
• provides for transfer of federal land to Alaska Native region and village
corporations
• Section 14(h)1 of the act provides for transfer of historic places and cemetery
sites to regional Native corporations
Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974
• authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to survey dam related construction areas
for archaeological sites
• provides for protection or for salvage of archaeological sites threatened by dam
construction
• provides funding for such work
American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978
• requires agencies to evaluate their actions to protect religious freedom
• recognizes Indians' needs to access sacred sites
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979
• strengthens protection of archaeological resources more than one hundred years
old
• authorizes federal agencies to issue permits for excavation
• establishes criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized actions such as
vandalism, digging, sale, and purchase of artifacts
• allows site locations to be kept confidential to protect sites
26
v
• requires federal land managers to establish programs to increase public awareness
of the significance of archaeological resources on public lands
Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987
• transfers title of abandoned shipwrecks on submerged state lands to state
ownership
• defines shipwrecks to include the vessel or wreck, its cargo and other contents
• eliminates application of the Law of Salvage and Law of Finds to state
shipwrecks
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990
• provides a means to establish ownership of Native American grave materials and
objects of cultural patrimony
• requires consultation with tribes regarding disturbance of Native American graves
• establishes a committee to arbitrate disputes regarding ownership of graves
• provides for repatriation of certain specific categories of Native American grave
materials and objects of cultural patrimony
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Appendix III
Glossary
Archaeology: the study of the traces of human activity, such as house pits and stone
artifacts.
Artifact: evidence, usually an object, of human activity.
Cultural resources or historic/prehistoric resources: deposits, structures, ruins, sites,
buildings, artifacts, or objects that provide information pertaining to past life and
processes.
Fossil: a remnant of a past geological age, such as a footprint or leaf imprint, embedded
in the earth's crust.
Historic preservation: the protection or restoration of a property or site to save its historic
character.
Historic property: a prehistoric or historic site, structure, building, or object. These
might include historic landscapes and culturally important places. Cultural resources is a
commonly used synonym.
History: the study of people, places, and events that occurred since written records have
been kept.
Paleontology: the study of fossils of ancient plants and animals.
Prehistory: the study of people, places, and events before written records were kept.
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