This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Skip Navigation skip menu and banner

Grant Program

Archaeology Project Guidelines and Information


Archaeology proposals follow all the Wyoming Humanities Council's standard guidelines for a grant project. In addition, project directors should note the following.

1. The purpose of archaeology projects funded by the council is to gain insights into and understanding of the lifestyles and cultural heritage of human communities, and to communicate this knowledge to the public. Projects may include exhibits, lectures and discussions, or any programs, which demonstrably reach a broad audience, not only professionals or a small group of interested individuals. The council is not in the business of salvage archaeology, nor can it be expected to fund excavation as an end in itself.

2. The proposal should demonstrate that the proposed excavation does not unnecessarily destroy archaeological resources. Unless there are good scientific or historical reasons for excavating a site, the site should be left alone. Any proposed excavation should conform to appropriate federal and state laws. If the site is located on private land, permission from the landowner must be obtained and documented in the proposal.

3. Any proposal should demonstrate that the excavation (and subsequent analysis and interpretation) will be carried out according to established and professional standards. This does not imply that professionals are the only ones capable of carrying out an archaeological project, but that the individuals involved furnish proof that they are competent and able to adhere to prevailing scientific standards and ethics in their work. Such proof might come in the form of collaboration with someone who possesses appropriate credentials and experience who serves as the humanities scholar on the project and is involved in its planning and implementation. Written approval of the State Archaeologist must accompany the proposal.

4. The proposal must provide planning for storage and curation if relevant. Archaeological collections from an excavation may be placed in a permanent museum exhibit. However, if use of collections is temporary, arrangements for long-term storage and curation of the materials must be made, preferably in a federally recognized archaeological repository in Wyoming. Information about storage, curation fees, and appropriate venues may be obtained from the State Archaeologist's Office, Division of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

5. After a project is funded and excavation begins, the investigation inadvertently may involve the discovery of human remains and/or associated funerary objects. Excavation immediately must cease. The remains must be protected and the state archaeologist or the University of Wyoming Anthropology Department NAGPRA coordinator must be contacted. This policy conforms to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). In addition, if human remains or anything suggesting human remains is found, local law enforcement must be contacted.