Request for Information on Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites and Project Areas
The Office of State Archaeology maintains the official archaeological site records for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Under the Kentucky Antiquities Act, archaeological sites and objects of antiquity discovered in Kentucky are to be reported to the University of Kentucky Department of Anthropology. OSA carries out this responsibility by assigning archaeological site numbers, maintaining the statewide archaeological site file, and preserving official archaeological records for research, planning, preservation, and public benefit.
The Office of State Archaeology (OSA) provides several levels of archaeological records review to support cultural resource compliance, planning, and academic research in Kentucky. Each review type varies in cost, scope, and detail, and is designed to meet user needs while ensuring that OSA fulfills its legal and ethical responsibilities as steward of archaeological site data.
All project areas must be clearly delineated, and any request that directly or indirectly intersects federal lands will require completion of the Federal Lands Data Request Form before processing can begin.
OSA strives to support researchers and compliance archaeologists while protecting sensitive archaeological information; therefore, all requests are subject to modification at OSA’s discretion.
Qualified users may also access OSA’s archaeological site files and records by appointment at no cost. Records review fees apply only when OSA staff prepare project-specific GIS data packages, PDF reports, or other records review products.
Questions? See our FAQ or contact OSA at ky-osa@uky.edu
Preliminary Records Review (P#)
Cost: $100
Deliverable: PDF Report
Eligibility: Non-archaeologists only
The Preliminary Records Review is designed exclusively for non-archaeologists, including planners or cultural resource professionals completing the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC) Cover Sheet or similar early-stage documentation. It provides general contextual data but does not contain the level of detail required for Section 106 submissions or FCC forms.
A clearly defined project area is required. The review includes a unique PDF report with:
- A map showing previous archaeological project areas (archaeological site locations are restricted and will not be displayed);
- Citations for previous archaeological projects within the defined area;
- A list of archaeological sites within the project boundary, including site type and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) status.
Submit Online Form - Preliminary Records Review
Scoping Studies Record Review (S#)
Cost: $250
Deliverable: PDF Report or GIS Shapefiles
Eligibility: Professional archaeologists, historic preservation professionals, or pre-approved environmental firms
The Scoping Studies Record Review supports early-stage archaeological planning by qualified professionals. The area of interest must be clearly delineated and reflect an initial refinement of expected project limits based on available project information. OSA cannot support scoping requests that cover extremely large areas such as entire counties or full USGS quadrangles.
Depending on the project area format, OSA will provide either a PDF report or a GIS data package that includes:
- Archaeological site type and NRHP status;
- Previous archaeological project information.
Submit Online Form - Scoping Studies Record Review
Full Records Review and Project Registration (FY#)
Cost: $400
Deliverables:
- PDF Report or GIS Shapefiles
- PDF Copies of Site Forms and CRM Reports
Eligibility: Professional archaeologists conducting NHPA / Section 106 surveys
The Full Records Review is available only to professional archaeologists conducting National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) surveys. The project area must reflect the Area of Potential Effect (APE) as agreed upon by the lead federal agency, the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC/SHPO), and appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Office (as applicable) and the buffer specified in KHC’s Specifications for Conducting Fieldwork and Preparing Cultural Resource Assessment Reports.
Depending on the submitted project area format, OSA will provide:
PDF Report
- Archaeological site numbers, site types, and NRHP status;
- CRM report citations and OSA shelf numbers.
GIS Data Package
- Most attribute fields associated with archaeological site records and previous archaeological projects.
Additional Materials
PDF copies of archaeological site forms and CRM reports located within the APE and required buffer will be provided via secure download for both either the PDF Report or GIS Data Package.
Submit Online Form - Full Records Review and Project Registration
Academic Research Records Review
Cost: $0
Deliverable: PDF Report or GIS Shapefiles
Eligibility: Archaeologists, students, or researchers conducting non-compliance research
Academic Research Reviews support archaeological or historical research projects not associated with regulatory compliance.
A clearly delineated area of interest is required.
Detailed site location information will only be released to:
- Professional archaeologists, or
- Students working under the direct supervision of a professional archaeologist.
Others interested in general archaeological information must contact OSA to determine what can be released at ky-osa@uky.edu.
OSA will determine whether the deliverable is a PDF report or GIS package based on research needs and our legal obligations to protect sensitive archaeological data.
Submit Online Form - Academic Research Records Review