A Summary Guide to Connecticut CRM Legislation

This list provides a summary reference of CRM legislation for Connecticut. Each item includes a Connecticut General Statute (C.G.S.) citation and a brief description of the agency involved.

This list was originally published in the Digging In series.

State Archaeologist

Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) Section 10a-112: Establishes the Office of State Archaeology at the University of Connecticut's Museum of Natural History to identify, protect, and preserve the state's archaeological heritage, in coordination with the Connecticut Historical Commission.

Connecticut Historical Commission

C.G.S. Sec. 10-321 et seq: Establishes the Connecticut Historical Commission to identify and protect state's cultural heritage; establishes Connecticut Historical Commission as the State Historic Preservation Office for Connecticut; authorizes State Register and National Register of Historic Places; authorizes Commission to with- hold disclosure of specific site location data in order to preserve archaeological site integrity.

Archaeological Artifacts

C.G.S. Sec. 10-383: Designates the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History as state repository for all artifacts found on state lands. Directs museum to establish collections policy on acquisitions, preservation, loan and transfer of artifacts.

State Archaeological Preserves

C.G.S. Sec. 10-384: With coordination of Office of State Archaeology, authorizes Connecticut Historical Commission to designate eligible sites as state archaeological preserves following notification, as applicable, to private owner, state agency, and Native American Heritage Advisory Council.

Native American Heritage Advisory Council

C.G.S. Sec. 10-382: Establishes Native American Heritage Advisory Council to provide guidance and recommendations on Native American heritage to the Office of State Archaeology and the Connecticut Historical Commission.

Archaeological Investigations on State Lands

C.G.S. Sec. 10-386: Authorizes permit process for archaeological investigations on state lands or state archaeological preserves; applications are reviewed by the Connecticut Historical Commission in coordination with Office of State Archaeology and Native American Heritage Advisory Council.

Archaeological Preservation

C.G.S. Sec 10-387: Direct state agencies to review their policies and practices for consistency with the preservation of archaeological sites.

Native American Burials

C.G.S. Sec. 10-388 et seq: Provides for in situ preservation or archaeological excavation and reburial of human remains encountered during construction, agricultural, archaeological or other ground disturbance. Defines roles and responsibilities of the Medical Examiner, State Archaeologist, Connecticut Historical Commission and Native American Heritage Advisory Council.

Ancient Burial Ground and Gravestone Preservation

C.G.S. Sec. 19a-315b: Protects ancient burial grounds and gravestones. Requires notification to the Connecticut Historical Commission for any gravestone removal or cemetery renovation; Commission makes recommendation to Connecticut Probate Court on such requests.

Connecticut Environmental Protection Act

C.G.S. Sec. 22a-15 through 22a-19: Creates legal recourse to examine unreasonable destruction of historic resources listed, or under consideration for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places.

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act

C.G.S. Sec. 22a-1 et seq: Directs state agencies to consider historic, architectural and archaeological resources are properly considered in the planning and development of state projects.

Local Historic Districts and Historic Properties

C.G.S. Sec. 7-147: Enabling statute which provides for establishing local historic districts and historic properties (including archaeological sites) governed by local ordinances and a local historic district commission.

Municipal Historians

C.G.S. Sec. 7-148(c)(5)(D): Authorizes appointment of municipal historians.

For more information on cultural resource management and historic preservation in Connecticut, contact:

archnet@spirit.lib.uconn.edu