An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
We take pride in safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of our state's cultural heritage. As stewards of history, our primary role in archaeology involves identifying, documenting, and help our partners preserve archaeological sites. We meticulously review development projects to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, offering recommendations to minimize impacts on these invaluable resources. Our commitment extends to the coordination with Tribal Nations, emergency response plans, and the responsible management of archaeological data.
We believe that embracing our archaeological heritage can unite communities and deepen our appreciation for the land we call home. Our archaeology team spends time doing education and outreach for archaeology ethics in Kentucky.
Our archaeological services are under our SPHO Site Protection team. Explore this webpage to learn more about our services and archaeology in Kentucky.
The annual conference is hosted by KHC Site Protection Program staff to highlight historic and prehistoric cultural resources and as an opportunity for archaeologists and historic preservation and allied professionals to share information and research findings about their work. KHC serves as the state historic preservation office.
Living Archaeology Weekend is an award-winning, immersive experience in Kentucky's famous Red River Gorge. Our event uses archaeological evidence to inform diverse demonstrations of the region's Native and Pioneer technologies and lifeways. Visitors learn about the area's rich cultural traditions and gain insights into past people's lives and experiences. This FREE event is held every year on the third weekend in September. The Friday program from 9:00am-4:00pm EST is for pre-registered school groups. The Saturday program from 9:00am-4:00pm EST is open to the public; registration is not required. Our wide range of educational materials, including a new video series, support educators and students year-round.
The Kentucky Heritage Council works with entities across the Commonwealth to provide educational materials about Kentucky's cultural heritage. These publications and videos are meant for members of the public, educators, students, and cultural heritage professionals.
Archaeological record documents more than 12,000 years of Kentucky’s past, from Native American hunter-gathers and farmers, to colonial European farmers and African enslaved, to their more recent descendants who farmed, mined and ran industries and businesses. Explore those resources!
KHC staff are responsible for reviewing thousands of projects each year that utilize federal funding or permits that have the potential to impact historic resources. Learn more about these services.