The month-long October celebration acquaints Texans with their unique archeological heritage. The public is welcome at many special events such as archeology fairs, museum exhibits, lectures and demonstrations. Staff responds to public inquiries regarding prehistoric and historic archeological sites in Texas. The office offers archeological consultation to state agencies, professional and avocational archeologists, landowners, teachers, heritage groups and interested individuals. Staff investigates important endangered sites dating from prehistoric times to the 20th century.
Staff records archeological sites and monitors previously recorded sites to ensure their protection.
Staff also engages in significant projects related to African American, Hispanic and Native American cultural resources. In the Archeology Division, the State Marine Archeologist supports efforts to locate, investigate and protect hundreds of historic shipwrecks in Texas coastal waters. Staff conducts cultural resource management reviews for projects that might impact shipwrecks on state-owned submerged lands. The State Marine Archeologist also maintains a database of shipwrecks in Texas and carries out a program to identify and investigate significant shipwreck sites using volunteer assistance from the local sport-diving community. State and Federal Review State and Federal Review staff assists federal and state agencies in complying with state and federal laws to preserve archeological and historic sites.