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The Archaeology & Historic Preservation File Room is open to cultural resource specialists (contractors) during the hours of 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. No appointment necessary.

State Laws

PERMITS are required to investigate, evaluate, or mitigate adverse effect on cultural resources, historic buildings, structures, or objects under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The annual permit shall be obtained from the director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
North Dakota Century Code 55-03-01

PERMITS are required to investigate, excavate, or otherwise record cultural resources on land owned by an instrumentality of the state of North Dakota and to excavate cultural resources on private land. The permit is obtained from the Director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
North Dakota Century Code 55-03-01.1

HISTORIC PRESERVATION SECTION creates the State Historic Preservation Office within the State Historical Society of North Dakota and grants to it a number of duties, including the ability to locate, survey, investigate, register, identify, preserve and protect historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural sites, structures and objects worthy of preservation. It also gives the SHSND the ability to review all federal undertakings permitted, funded, licensed or otherwise assisted.
North Dakota Century Code 55-10-11

PROTECTION OF UNMARKED HUMAN BURIALS outlines the protection of unmarked burials and the penalties for their disturbance. The law reflects attitudes of the vast majority of North Dakotans: all human remains deserve handling in a respectful manner. If an exposed burial is located, leave it in place, and notify the local law enforcement and the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
North Dakota Century Code 23-06-27

PROTECTION OF HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC SITES that is found or located upon any land owned by the state or its political subdivision and is significant in understanding and interpreting the history and prehistory of the state is subject to review by the State Historical Society.
North Dakota Century Code 55-02-07

PROTECTION OF PREHISTORIC OR HISTORIC SITE LOCATIONAL DATA enables limited access to and release of information from files of the State Historical Society of North Dakota until the director is satisfied that the applicant has a reasonable need for the information and is assured that the release of the information will not result in unnecessary destruction of the resource.
North Dakota Century Code 55-02-07.1

THE HISTORICAL IMPACT EMERGENCY FUND was established and is administered by the director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The fund was authorized for the purpose of emergency mitigation of adverse effects on cultural resources and historical buildings, structures, or objects in the state.
North Dakota Century Code 55-02-09

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