About Us: MISSION

This website has been created and sponsored by the New York Archaeological Council to raise awareness of archaeology and archaeological issues of New York State. Specific goals of this site are:

• To provide information of general interest on the history and prehistory of New York as well as about the field of archaeology that provides insight into that history.
• To provide educational resources about archaeology.
• To provide information on the conduct of professional archaeology in New York.
• To serve as a point of reference for anyone that needs to consider archaeological resources in compliance with various laws and regulations that often come into play during construction projects.
• To increase the awareness of New York Archaeology to the general public."

The New York Archaeological Council (NYAC) was founded in 1971 as an association of professional archaeologists with an interest in New York State archaeology. In 1972, the association became a not-for-profit corporation. The Certificate of Incorporation states the purposes of the organization:

 "To stimulate, guide, direct and conduct research in the field of archaeology in the State of New York; to publish the results of such archaeological research;...to promote the exchange of information among the various individuals and organizations engaged in the study of archaeology in New York State and elsewhere; to foster and promote knowledge of and interest in public archaeology and archaeological preservation; to do any other act or thing incidental to or connected with the foregoing purposes or in advancement thereof..."

These purposes have guided the activities of the organization since its founding