Digging Into Boston
Learning from the past to pave the way for the future.
The City Archaeology Program is part of an inter-departmental team that works to plan Boston's continuing progress while ensuring that it can continue to enjoy and benefit from its rich historic resources, including its irreplaceable archaeological sites.
Learn more about how we work with homeowners, contractors, and developers to research properties, determine the archaeological sensitivity of an area, and create plans to minimize impacts to important resources.
What is archaeology?
Archaeology is the study of past cultures through the material remains people left behind.
An archaeologist is a professional preservationist who meets the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s standards for qualification. They are trained to research and excavate archaeological sites systematically and to thoroughly document all data recovered from the site.
Who are we?
The City of Boston Archaeology Program is a branch of the Office of Historic Preservation within the Cabinet of Environment, Energy, and Open Space.
We are a team of 4 SOI-qualified professional archaeologists with a combined 75+ years of archaeological experience.
We collaborate directly with planners and developers, Native tribe members, schools and universities, local historical and cultural institutions, and of course our amazing Boston residential community!