Archeology
Federal authorities, regulations and guidelines define how GSA preserves and treats archeological sites and objects. The GSA collections are listed by state origin and by repository location. Please contact a Regional Historical Preservation Officer if you have additional collection information.
GSA has made the following significant archeological discoveries:
African Burial Ground
In 1991, the 17th- and 18th-century remains of more than 400 Africans were discovered during pre-construction work for a federal building at 290 Broadway in New York City. The finding deeply impacted the descendant and broader community and simultaneously renewed awareness in cultural significance and historic preservation. The African Burial Ground was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993.
Five Points, New York, NY
Archaeological investigations on the site of the new Foley Square U.S. Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street were undertaken by GSA in fulfillment of its obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act and related Federal legislation. Through the study of the artifacts recovered in 1991, the daily lives of the people who lived in the thriving working-class neighborhood at Five Points become visible.
Clara Barton
Read the GSA press release: Clara Barton's Office, Saved From Destruction, Will be Historic Site Commission To Release "A Guide to Women's Historic Sites in Washington, DC."
The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/archeology.
Last Reviewed 4/6/2009