Phase IA & IB

Phase IA Archaeological Literature Reviews

An Archaeological Literature Review is often the first step in helping a client understand the potential for archaeological resources within their project area, what is already known in the surrounding community, and potential features of interest which may be present. This work is carried out in a variety of settlings typically involving reference materials at the Office of the State Archaeologists and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office. Beyond these, NCC meticulously combs through available records and documentation including construction, building, and demolition permits; aerial photography; tax records; historical society and university archives; insurance maps; and other local records. Collectively, these materials paint a picture of archaeological potential for a project area and the likelihood prehistoric or historic archaeological sites, features, or other material may be present.

Nienow Cultural Consultants has completed a multitude of Archaeological Literature Reviews over the past several years from wide open spaces in rural Minnesota, to parking lots in the densest parts of downtown Minneapolis.

Here is a short list of recent example projects:

  • Phase Ia Archaeological Literature Review, Washington Avenue and Portland Avenue Block, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
  • Phase Ia Archaeological Literature Review, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
  • Archaeological Summary of Previously Conducted Fieldwork at 21HE195 with Georeferenced Resource Overlays
  • Archaeological Phase Ia Literature Review and Predictive Model Data, City of Edina, Hennepin County, Minnesota
  • Archaeological Potential and Recommended Due Diligence for Two Additional Areas Related to the Rehabilitation of Bridge 2796 (Tenth Avenue Bridge), 10th Avenue over the Mississippi River Minneapolis, Hennepin County
Historic Forestville shovel testing
phase 1 fort snelling
Phase I field walk
Phase I field walking
Phase I historic shovel testing
Phase I pedestrian survey
Phase I shovel testing (2)
Phase I shovel testing Forestville
Phase I shovel testing in St Francis
Phase I shovel testing
Walking the cabbages
Walking the pumpkins

Phase IB Archaeological Survey

The next step in understanding the archaeological potential for materials and sites within a project area is typically an archaeological survey. These may be recommended after the completion of a Literature Review, or requested by a permitting or oversight body such as the Minnesota State Preservation Office, Army Corp of Engineers, or Office of the State Archaeologist. These typically involve walking over the entire project area, digging small shovel tests (about the size of a pizza box and two to three feet deep) in high probability areas, talking with local landowners and collectors. These are the most commonly completed archaeological surveys in Minnesota and often the first time a client will interact with a qualified archaeologist. In order to be a Principal Investigator, an archaeologist must meet the requirements laid out by the Secretary of the Interior, which involves documentation of at least a Master’s Degree, proven ability to complete work, and demonstrated proficiency within specific periods of the past. If the work is on public, non-federal lands here in Minnesota, then a license is also required from the Office of the State Archaeologist.

Nienow Cultural Consultants has completed a multitude of Phase I Archaeological Surveys throughout the Upper Midwest which have focused on prehistoric (Native American), contact (Fur Trade and Military Forts), historic (Euro-American Settlement), and industrial (mills, railroads, etc.) landscapes and settings. Because these projects typically take just a few days to complete, we have the opportunity to travel far and wide to complete them.

Here is a short list of recent examples:

  • Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Biermann Parcel, Olmsted County, Minnesota
  • Phase I Archaeological Survey for Cates Pit, Cass County, Minnesota
  • Phase I Archaeological Survey, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
  • Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Granite Falls World War Memorial Park Infrastructure Improvement Project
  • Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Weise Property, Sherburne County, Minnesota
  • Results of Archaeological Survey in Association with Sand Creek Re-Meander Project of Coon Rapids, Minnesota
  • Shovel Testing for Historic Forestville Exterior Building Preservation/Rehabilitation Project