Cultural Resources
TVA’s Cultural Resources staff works to protect historic resources, as required by federal law. Staff members are responsible for the identification, evaluation, and protection of significant cultural resources on TVA lands or land affected by TVA actions. This work is a critical component of the management of TVA lands and resources.
TVA currently manages over 9,000 archaeological sites and numerous historic structures, which includes many TVA dams and powerhouses. The Cultural Resources staff includes archaeologists, a historian, and a historic architect. See the following pages for more information on this important work.
Public
involvement
TVA appreciates the assistance of the public in the
protection of the important archaeological resources of the Tennessee
Valley. Learn about participating in
our site stewardship project, A Thousand Eyes.
Frequently
asked questions
See this page for terminology and information on using metal detectors on TVA
land,
reporting
illegal activity on archaeological sites, and more.
History
TVA has been involved in cultural resources management since the
inception of the agency in 1933. Read about the program’s
history and the TVA Historic Photograph Collection.
Laws
Read about the laws that govern the work of protecting cultural resources.
Historic Structures
and Objects
Many structures and objects in the TVA region are eligible for listing
on the National Register of Historic Places. Read about them here.
Relocated Cemeteries
The work of building TVA dams involved the relocation of many grave sites.
This page gives an overview of the process and the historical records
related to it.
Native Americans
A number of Native American tribes have an interest in archaeological
sites in the Tennessee Valley. Read about cooperative
efforts with these tribes.
Related Links
TVA works in concert with various agencies to carry out
protection and management of cultural resources.
This page gives links to state, federal, and other programs.
For questions or comments about TVA Cultural Resources, send us a message.