Cultural Resource Survey and Records
While all cultural resources cannot be preserved, documented resources provide a record from which others can continue to learn from these relics of the past. When we know where resources are located, we can better protect them from loss or damage due to development, natural disaster, and vandalism.
The state historic preservation office conducts and maintains a statewide survey to identify and document historic buildings and archaeological sites. To date, about six percent of Montana’s lands have been surveyed, documenting 67,000 cultural resources.
Montana SHPO’s Survey and Cultural Records Program works to expand surveyed acreage while promoting quality inventory and documentation work and offering access to the data. Learn about the records held in Montana’s Cultural Records Database and how to contribute, request, or access information.
Accessing Cultural Resource Data
Anyone with internet access can explore general information about cultural resource surveys and sites through a public version of the cultural resource database. Individuals seeking more specific information about site location, features, and other attributes must order a File Search or Data Request.
Montana’s Cultural Resource Database is maintained by the State Historic Preservation Office in Helena. Established in 2016, the database contains more than 100,000 records with information about known historic, archaeological, traditional cultural, paleontological sites, cultural resource inventories, gray literature, National Register eligibility, and projects subject to environmental review.
A public version of the database provides general information about the presence or absence of cultural sites and areas that have been surveyed.
Because of the sensitive nature of cultural resources records, access to specific site records, inventory reports, and GIS data requires a signed Data Use Agreement between the requesting party and Montana SHPO. In some cases, individuals conducting research or with established contracts with Montana SHPO are permitted partial or full access to the database as registered users. These users can view site records, inventory reports and other published and gray literature, project submission and review status, and eligibility and effects findings.
Requesting a file search is often the first step to initiate the consultation process and identify historic properties within a project area. A file search includes a query of the Cultural Resources Database to determine if surveys have been conducted and/or if archaeological or historic sites have been recorded in a particular location.
“Requesting File Search and Cultural Resource Data” (QR-1) summarizes steps and provides tips for successfully requesting a file search or additional cultural resource data from Montana SHPO.
File Searches generally require 15 days for processing.
$35 per section is billed upon delivery of file search results.
Qualified professionals who meet the Secretary of Interior’s standards for archaeology and historic preservation AND have signed SHPO’s Digital Data and Information Use Agreement can request copies of cultural resource inventory reports and site forms.
“Requesting File Search and Cultural Resource Data” (QR-1) summarizes steps and provides tips for successfully requesting a file search or additional cultural resource data from Montana SHPO.
Cultural Data Requests generally require 15 days for processing.
Digital Data Fees
Digital data requests require that a File Search has already been performed. The File Search flat fee of $35 per section includes site records, inventory reports, and GIS data—but these items must be specifically requested at the time of the File Search. A la carte fees apply for Cultural Resource Data requests when these items are requested without a File Search: site records ($5/record), inventory reports ($1/MB), GIS shapefiles ($5/polygon).
Contributing Site Records and Inventory Reports
A site’s Smithsonian number is a standard identifier for tracking properties and is required to process all consultation, including resolving APE (area of potential effect), National Register eligibility, and potential effects on cultural resources.
Smithsonian number assignments require a complete site record (form, photos, and map) and GIS shapefiles that accurately delineate the site boundary. See “Documenting Sites” (section 2.3.2 of the Montana SHPO Consultation Guide) for more information on preparing site documentation.
“Requesting Smithsonian Number for Site Documentation” (QR-2) summarizes steps and provides tips for successfully submitting cultural site records and requesting Smithsonian numbers from Montana SHPO.
A complete “record” includes a site record form, photographs, maps, and GIS files. Montana SHPO provides six site record forms for various site types. Download forms using the link below.
- CS-R: Cultural Site Record
- AE-R: Architecture/Engineering Record
- CU-R: Site Update Record
- IF-R: Isolated Find Record
- SC-R: Stone Circle Record
- PALEO-R: Paleontological Record
Review "Creating a Complete Site Record" for instructions on preparing forms and required attachments.
Under construction: Conducting Surveys & Preparing Reports
SHPO maintains a list of consultants who meet the Secretary of Interior’s standards for archaeology and historic preservation.
We recommend you make inquiries regarding professional qualifications and check references as appropriate.
CULTURAL RECORDS HELP
GIS, Smithsonian Numbers, Site Data Requests
Cultural Records Assistant
Steffany.Wood@mt.gov
(406) 444-4724
Cultural Records Manager
Damon Murdo
dmurdo@mt.gov
(406) 444-7767
