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Montana Antiquities Database

Tipi on Pryor creek

The Montana Antiquities Database contains cultural resource information on known historic and archaeological sites, previously conducted cultural resource inventories, National Register site status, and cultural resource management project information. The database uses Oracle software and is housed at the Montana State Historic Preservation Office in Helena and the University of Montana Archaeological Records Office in Missoula.

The database is divided into three parts:

  1. Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS)
  2. The CRIS portion of the database contains information on over 35,000 historic and archaeological sites within the State of Montana. It includes information on site type, owner, period, legal location, and numerous other data fields. CRIS is currently managed by the University of Montana Archaeological Records Office. Cultural Resource Annotated Bibliography System (CRABS)
  3. The CRABS bibliographic listings contain information on over 20,000 previous cultural resource inventories conducted within the State of Montana. It includes information on author, title, date completed, survey acres, legal location, agency, and other useful data fields. It also includes a list of searchable keywords that allows us to generate reports on specific topics. Project, Eligibility, & Effect Report (PEER)
Bison

PEER includes information on cultural resource projects conducted around Montana, and that SHPO reviews on a regular basis. It includes information on the eligibility of sites, effects, and more general project information.

Use the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) Digital Atlas to find out if there are historic or archaeological sites in your area.

If you have any questions regarding the Antiquities Database please see our FAQs page, or contact Damon Murdo at: (406) 444-7767 or E-mail to: dmurdo@mt.gov