Archeology
Federal authorities, regulations and guidelines define how GSA preserves and treats archeological sites and objects. The GSA collections are listed by state origin and by repository location. Please contact a Regional Historical Preservation Officer if you have additional collection information.
GSA has made the following significant archeological discoveries:
In 1991, the 17th- and 18th-century remains of more than 400 Africans were discovered during pre-construction work for a federal building in lower Manhattan in New York City. The finding deeply impacted the descendant and broader community and simultaneously renewed awareness in cultural significance and historic preservation. Following the discovery, nearly two decades were dedicated to the documentation and interpretation of the site. The African Burial Ground was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, and a National Monument in 2006. In 2007, the African Burial Ground Memorial was dedicated.
Five Points, New York, NY
Archaeological investigations on the site of the new Foley Square U.S. Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street were undertaken by GSA in fulfillment of its obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act and related Federal legislation. Through the study of the artifacts recovered in 1991, the daily lives of the people who lived in the thriving working-class neighborhood at Five Points become visible.
The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/archeology.
