Guidelines for Conducting Cultural Resources Investigations

Overview

Cultural Resources in Anne Arundel County include archaeological sites, cemeteries, historic structures, and scenic & historic roads. When a parcel or project area is deemed to have a high potential for cultural resources, a cultural resources survey may be required to identify potentially significant resources. Archaeology surveys conducted as a requirement of development in Anne Arundel County should meet the Maryland State Guidelines for Archaeological Investigation (Shaffer and Cole, 1994).

This document outlines best practices and professional standards for the background research, fieldwork, artifact processing, and reporting on investigations State-wide. When investigations are conducted under the Anne Arundel County code, which is a locally determined process, there are certain amendments and modifications that consultants should incorporate into reports prepared for Anne Arundel County’s Planning and Zoning Office. Following is a checklist of required elements of a report submitted to the County’s Cultural Resources Division.