Record an Archeological SiteThe archeological site form is the primary means of recording and communicating information about archeological sites located within the state of Kansas.
Forms are submitted to the Kansas State Historical Society from avocational archeologists, who often have an intimate knowledge of sites located in the vicinity of their homes. Professional archeologists submit forms resulting from research projects, or more commonly as the product of archeological surveys for proposed construction projects, done in compliance with state and federal laws. Forms are maintained in paper files at the KSHS and also in a computerized database. Site locations may also be accessed through a Geographical Information System (GIS). Site form information is used for research about Kansas archeology and for review and compliance purposes to identify historic and prehistoric sites that might be affected by earth-disturbing construction projects. 
Site locational information is restricted under both federal and state freedom of information legislation. Confidentiality is maintained in order to protect sites from looting and vandalism. Limiting access also helps eliminate trespassing, since most sites are located on private property and are often in remote areas. The site form is a useful semi-permanent record. The files of the Archeology Office contain copies of forms that date from 1946. These forms are still useful after 50+ years and will continue to be in the future. Site forms submitted by KAA members form a significant portion of the total number of sites recorded in the state. The primary purpose of the site form is to give enough information
about the site's location to allow another person to find that particular
geographical spot. The KSHS site form is intended to be as simple as
possible but still contain enough information to meet that goal. The
selection of categories of information to be included on the form is
also partly determined by the capabilities of the GIS. For instance,
previous editions of the site form called for information about the
soil at the site's location but the information will be available in
the GIS and does not need to be collected by the site recorder. The generally hidden nature of archeological sites means that many forms will contain incomplete information. For example, if the recorder does not find artifacts made during a particular period, it will not be possible to establish the site's age. The evidence for some sites may occur as exposures of artifacts and features (hearths, pits, etc.) in stream banks, and thus it will not be possible to determine the site's area in a horizontal plane. Two items should be complete, however: a legal description of the site's location, expressed as a fractional part of a section, township, and range, and a map that shows the site's location in relation to cultural and natural landmarks within the area defined by the legal description. Site Form InstructionsAnyone wishing to submit a site form is encouraged to do so. Site forms can be completed online or paper copies can be FAXed or mailed to the Public Archeologist at the address listed below. Site forms submitted online are kept in a Personal Inventory file that can be accessed by the submitter through the use of a password. The forms submitted by each person will remain permanently in that individual's file for later review or updating. KSHS staff will be notified automatically of site form submissions, and the draft form will be reviewed. Approved site forms will be assigned a number and added to the archeological site database and the site's location entered into the GIS. If problems are discovered in the draft site form the submitter will be contacted by KSHS staff. Many of the entries on the form are self-explanatory, but some terms and categories of information require more definition. Placing the cursor over the ? symbol on the form explains the information required for that field. One can also find definitions at Site Form Instructions, or by clicking on the red triangle next to the field on the Paper Site Form or Example Site Form. Maps, sketches, and photographs may be submitted online. These should be in gif, jpg, or jpeg format. Text documents may also be submitted; these should be Microsoft Word or PDF documents. A copy of a portion of a USGS 7.5 minute map showing the site's location is required. The location may be digitized in the form or submitted as a scanned e-mail attachment to vwulfkuhle@kshs.org. If problems arise in using the online form, follow the directions provided in error messages. Suggestions for improvements to the online operation of the form may be directed to the Public Archeologist at the address listed below. Paper copies of the site form are available from the Public Archeologist, or the Paper Site Form at the top of this page may be filled out, printed, and FAXed or mailed to the Public Archeologist at the address listed below. Many of the entries on the form are self-explanatory, but some terms and categories of information require more definition. On the Paper Site Form, click on the red triangle for information about each field. Click on the minus sign in the upper left corner to close instructions box before printing. Fields are limited in the number of characters that may be entered in each space. Fields with an * are required. Specific questions about submitting site forms, or the categories of infomation appearing on the form may be directed to the Public Archeologist at the KSHS. To request a form by mail contact: Virginia Wulfkuhle, Public Archeologist |
|
 |
