Independent Research Access Request

As stewards of many of North Carolina's archaeological collections, the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (OSA) preserves artifacts curated at the Research Center (OSARC) and maintains the site files, archaeological reports, and maps that exist as paper and digital records for the over 50,000 archaeological sites recorded across the state. We strive to ensure the availability of these archaeological collections for researchers and the public.

Any individual wishing to conduct research using the archaeological collections maintained by the OSA, including artifacts and/or associated records, must complete the “Research Request” form and submit a proposal for research to the State Archaeologist. Pursuant to state statutes (G.S. 70-18; G.S. 132-2,G.S. 132-9), the State Archaeologist has the right to permit or deny access to the archaeological collections.

All researchers must sign a statement of Ethics and Confidentiality agreeing to treat all protected information made available through the OSA as confidential. Any behavior deemed unethical or inappropriate will result in reversal of research access. Approved researchers shall provide the OSA with a copy of the completed project (e.g., thesis or dissertation, article, poster, etc.,).

If accessing collections at OSARC, researchers will also be required to sign a liability waiver and complete laboratory safety training to be granted access to the facility. Artifacts must be examined at the OSARC facility unless written permission is granted by the State Archaeologist for off-site study. Researchers with intent of destructive analysis must provide a detailed justification for the destruction and what it will contribute to the archaeological understanding of North Carolina culture and history.

Collections housed at the Office of State Archaeology Research Center (OSARC) will not be permitted to be removed from OSARC unless written permission is granted by the State Archaeologist. Personal handling of artifacts and records associated with the OSARC collections is prohibited without specific authorization and supervision by the OSARC staff. Photography is strictly prohibited without prior written permission. No documents, including site forms, site files, and reports, shall be removed from the OSA premises by individuals conducting research.

Please direct any questions to osa.curation@dncr.nc.gov.

Form

Indicates required field

Researcher(s) Info
We ask for two weeks advance notice of desired research access. Choosing a date here does not constitute an appointment. Actual date of access will be confirmed once your request is accepted. An estimated date is acceptable.
Are you SOI-qualified or supervised by an SOI-qualified archaeologist?
View standards
Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology.

Collection Info

Site name(s) or number(s), project name, survey area, year of excavation, etc. Provide as much information as possible.
Do you have a written proposal?

Information message

After submitting this request, please email your proposal to osa.curation@dncr.nc.gov. Provide a brief summary in the Purpose of Research section below.

Information message

Please be as thorough as possible in the Purpose of Research section below, including intended outcomes, e.g. conference paper/poster, thesis or dissertation, site/project report, etc.
Provide a summary of research proposal and intended outcomes, e.g. conference paper/poster, thesis or dissertation, site/project report, etc.

Ethics and Confidentiality Statement

I understand that archaeological sites, artifacts, and other information represent the remains of past heritage’s and living people and respect the rights of all citizens to information about this past. I understand and acknowledge that any information concerning site locations obtained at the Office of State Archaeology is privileged information and must be kept in strict confidence. I agree to use the knowledge I obtain through this research to promote the best interests of archaeological resources in accordance with these beliefs.

I agree not to share or make public information concerning archaeological site locations obtained using information provided by or accessed at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology.