Statewide Survey of Historical and Archaeological Sites
Having current and accurate data on historic and archaeological sites is important to understanding our past and to preserving Minnesota’s history for future generations. In 2010-2011, the Minnesota Historical Society awarded contracts for these survey projects:
- Survey of sacred American Inidan sites in the Twin Cities metro area
- Identification of prehistoric burial mounds in Scott and Crow Wing Counties using LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging)
- Archaeological survey of Olmsted County
- Archaeological survey of Swift County
- Archaeological survey of the North Shore in Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties
- Archaeological field survey of southwestern Minnesota to discover sites that hold the state’s earliest cultural history
- Investigation and research of unrecorded historic cemeteries in Minnesota
- Brainerd ceramics study
The Office of the State Archaeologist has more information on its website under "Legacy Amendment Documents."
Representatives of the Minnesota Historical Society, the Office of the State Archaeologist and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council oversaw these projects.
Statewide Survey of Historical and Archaeological Sites. $250,000 in 2010 and $250,000 in 2011 are appropriated to the Minnesota Historical Society for a contract or contracts to be let on a competitive basis to conduct a general statewide survey of Minnesota's sites of historical, archaeological, and cultural significance. Results of this survey must be published in a searchable form, available to the public on a cost-free basis. The Minnesota Historical Society, the Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Board of Indian Affairs shall each appoint a representative to an oversight board, to select a contractor and direct the conduct of this survey. The oversight board shall consult with the Minnesota Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources. Funds appropriated for this purpose do not cancel and may be carried over from one year to the next.