The Division of Archaeology was created in 1970 and has responsibilities mandated by legislation to:

• Survey the state to identify and record archaeological sites;
• Excavate prehistoric and historic sites and protect and preserve such sites;
• Conduct research and encourage public cooperation and responsibility for site preservation;
• Publish archaeological findings in scientific and popular formats;
• Work with other state agencies in the protection and management of archaeological sites on state lands.

Program activities can be divided into two major categories:

Archaeological Assets Management

Activities include responsibility for and protection of archaeological sites and artifacts on all lands owned or controlled by the state. This section maintains accurate records on all known archaeological sites in the state, conducts research, and publishes reports on archaeological subjects.

Technical Assistance/Project Review

Includes coordination with all state agencies to ensure that activities do not destroy significant sites. This section prepares scopes of work and requests for proposals, assists in archaeological consultant selection, and provides technical assistance to other agencies requiring archaeological work. Staff also conduct archaeological surveys for other state agencies as part legal compliance for specific construction projects and property proposed for sale.

The Division reviews all federal projects to determine the impact on archaeological resources. It also provides expertise to the State Historic Preservation Office and Prepares nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. Assistance is offered to public and private entities on legal and technical aspects of prehistoric Indian cemetery relocation and related concerns.

For more information about archaeology in Tennessee, check out the Tennessee Archaeology Net.