State Archeologist, ARAS Staff, and Site Steward on Test Site Visit

Arkansas Site Stewardship Program
Protect Arkansas Cultural Resources

The Arkansas Site Stewardship Program (ASSP) is a joint program sponsored by the Arkansas Archeological Society (AAS) and administered by the Arkansas Archeological Survey (ARAS)

Site Stewards are assigned an archeological site to monitor 3-4 times annually. Stewards observe and record any signs of change, including erosion, foot traffic, vandalism, animal activity, campfires, evidence of looting, etc. and submit a preformatted report to the ASSP committee.

As the program develops we plan to introduce opportunities for volunteers interested in conducting historical research and community outreach

Arkansas Site Stewardship Program (ASSP) purpose is to:

  • Protect and preserve important pre-contact and historic sites in Arkansas
  • Provide an opportunity for Arkansas Archeological Society members to educate landowners and the public about cultural conservation and preservation
  • Create meaningful activities for Arkansas Archeological Society members and stakeholders that is a service to all Arkansans by preserving our shared heritage

To Become a Site Steward:

  • Become a member of the Statewide Arkansas Archeological Society. (Statewide AAS membership is separate from AAS local chapter membership)
  • Attend a day-long Site Stewardship Training Workshop
  • Submit a Site Stewardship application AND be accepted by the Site Stewardship Committee
  • Complete all required paperwork and training to finalize Stewardship
    • Site Stewards must agree to comply with all state and federal laws and regulations regarding archeological sites, artifacts, and confidentiality.

Previous experience in site identification and recording is preferred but not required. Applicants without previous experience must possess a commitment to learning techniques and contribute to site preservation and conservation. Volunteers without previous experience are strongly encouraged to attend the next Society/Survey Training Program in Archeology and enroll in the Site Survey Seminar.

For more information or for workshop inquiries contact:

Dr. Melissa Zabecki, State Archeologist, mzabeck@uark.edu

Rachael Martin Wiest, Society/Survey Liaison, rmartin@uark.edu