Responsibilities of the State Archaeologist

The Office of State Archaeology was established at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH) in 1987 to provide technical assistance to municipalities in the preservation of archaeological sites within their communities that might be threatened by development and vandalism.

The OSA administers the state archaeology office at the Connecticut Archaeology Center. At this office, it maintains comprehensive site files and maps, has in-state networks of supportive public, conducts research into the state's archaeological sites, serves as a clearinghouse of information, coordinates the salvage of archaeological sites, and represents Connecticut on national issues pertaining to archaeology.

The OSA has state-mandated responsibilities for the preservation or archaeological excavation and reburial of human remains encountered during construction activities. In this regard, it works closely with the Native American tribes in our state for projects that effect burials and sacred sites; and the preservation of unmarked burials.

The OSA museum serves as the repository for all anthropological collections at the university and for artifacts found on state lands. In this role it has responsibility for the curating of Connecticut's archaeological / anthropological collections, totaling over 600,000 artifacts.

Finally, it works to create public awareness and support for archaeological preservation, including museum exhibits and a variety of public presentations and activities.

In sum, OSA works closely with federal, state and local governments in the preservation of Connecticut’s archaeological and historical heritage.



How the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology Help...

> Provide archaeological educational curricula and experiences to schools.

> Present and sponsor public lectures.

> Secure donations of office equipment, laboratory supplies, and field supplies for OSA.

> Coordinate and participate in volunteer OSA field and office activities.

> Provide funds for Carbon-14 dating of artifacts.

> Assist scouts in earning archaeology merit badges.

> Create archaeological partnerships between local governments, students, and concerned citizens.

> Obtain grants and public funding for OSA collections management and office staff.

> Help increase corporate sponsorship of OSA-sponsored activities.



Connecticut State Archaeologist: Nicholas F. Bellantoni, PhD

Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni serves as the state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn). He received his doctorate in Anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist.

His duties are many, but primarily include the preservation of archaeological sites in the state. He serves as an Adjunct Associate Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UConn, as well as a State Commissioner for the Commission on Culture and Tourism and sits on the State Historic Preservation Council. Currently, he is President of the National Association of State Archeologists.

In addition, he participates in an extensive series of talks around the state, on subjects ranging from the archaeological history of Native American tribes for the past several thousand years, forensic archaeology, even garden archaeology; as well as field trips to various archaeological and geologic sites of interest. A schedule of his upcoming talks can be found on this web site's Upcoming Events page.

His research background includes the analysis of skeletal remains from eastern North America. He has been excavating in Connecticut for over 30 years.


FOSA and Social Media

Social Media for FOSA encompasses applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube, where FOSA has established a presence for purposes of expanding its visibility, and where people -- both FOSA and non-FOSA -- are able to post commentary on things they see on our sites.

While FOSA will examine such postings, and reserves the right to remove those containing inappropriate language or words which are inflammatory, discriminatory, and so forth, other postings will remain unchanged. In cases where the posting is incorrect, though, FOSA will respond to the posting, explaining its position while leaving the original posting as-is.

FOSA members who are designated by the Board of Directors as such respondents must conform to a set of guidelines. A copy of these guidelines can be viewed by clicking: Social Media Guidelines.