Archaeological & Cultural Resource Management
At Acer Associates, located in West Berlin, New Jersey, and serving NJ, PA, and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, we provide comprehensive archaeological services tailored to meet the specific needs of your project while ensuring compliance with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and other regulatory agencies. Our research and investigations evaluate cultural resources based on criteria for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), helping you navigate complex project requirements with confidence.
Archaeological Surveys (Phase I, II, & III)
Phase I: Cultural Resource Identification A Phase I survey is the first step in identifying historical and archaeological resources on a property. We combine thorough documentary research, historic map analysis, and predictive modeling to locate and document potential sites, providing a clear picture of your project area's cultural landscape.
Phase II: Site Evaluation & NRHP Eligibility If a resource is identified, a Phase II evaluation determines its significance and eligibility for the NRHP. Through controlled excavation, shovel testing, and detailed site boundary analysis, we assess a site's age, function, and integrity to inform project planning and mitigation strategies.
Phase III: Data Recovery & Mitigation When impacts to a significant archaeological site are unavoidable, a Phase III data recovery investigation is required. This involves large-scale excavation and in-depth laboratory analysis of artifacts and field records. Our detailed final reports contribute valuable data to the broader historical and scientific understanding of the site.
FEATURED PROJECT PROFILE:
Shore Health Hospital
An initial Phase I archaeological survey of nearly 100 acres was conducted on land selected for a new hospital site. Ten (10) archaeological sites were identified during the course of the project. Four (4) of the sites were evaluated as...
Specialized Archaeological & Historical Services
Archival & Historical Research Our archival services provide crucial background for assessing a property's potential to contain cultural resources. We conduct land ownership histories (house histories), genealogical studies, and data compilation to identify past land use, locate former structures or cemeteries, and support more comprehensive archaeological studies.
Cemetery Investigation & Delineation Cemetery studies are critical for land development and preservation. We use archaeological techniques, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and excavation, to accurately map both marked and unmarked graves. This helps clients avoid accidental disturbances, plan for preservation, manage cemetery space, or, when necessary, navigate the sensitive process of cemetery relocation.
Archaeology for Building Restoration Archaeology can be a vital component of building restoration. Our investigations uncover crucial construction details, such as original foundation locations, lost architectural features, and builder's trenches. We can also recover original hardware and artifacts that provide a broader context for the people who lived and worked in the structure, enriching the interpretation and accuracy of your restoration project.
Faunal Analysis Led by our specialist, Dr. Otter, we offer expert analysis of animal remains (fauna) from archaeological sites. This specialized service goes beyond simple identification to reveal detailed insights into the diet, environment, hunting practices, and even the social or ethnic status of a site's past inhabitants.
