Washington State Agency Functions for Historic Preservation
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) serves as the primary steward of Washington's cultural legacy. By managing the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the agency ensures that the state's rich history—ranging from ancient archaeological sites to historic architecture—is protected during modern development and land-use changes.
Key Facts
- SHPO Authority: Reviews construction impacts funded by federal dollars (National Historic Preservation Act) and state dollars (EO 05-05).
- Archaeological Scope: Manages a database of over 27,000 sites spanning nearly 13,000 years of human activity.
- Inventory System: Uses WISAARD to document thousands of historic buildings, structures, and sites.
- Human Remains: Holds statutory authority over all non-forensic human remains found in Washington.
- Barn Preservation: Administers the Heritage Barn Register and associated grant programs.
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
The SHPO is a position established by the National Historic Preservation Act. Its primary role is to conduct reviews of construction projects funded by federal money to assess potential impacts on historic resources under section 101 of the Act. This authority was expanded in 2005 via Governor Christine Gregoire's executive order (EO 05-05), which included capital projects funded by state dollars.
Under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)—a law requiring the evaluation of environmental impacts of state and local actions—Washington State recognizes DAHP as the expert agency for cultural resources. The current State Historic Preservation Officer is Dr. Allyson Brooks.
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Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (WSACHP)
Established by RCW 27.34.250-330, the WSACHP is staffed by DAHP. This nine-member board meets three to four times annually to review applications for the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register. The council's diverse membership includes:
- One representative from local or state heritage organizations.
- Six public members experienced in archaeology or preservation.
- One representative from the Washington archaeological community.
- One representative from the Native American community.
Members serve four-year terms.
Archaeology Regulation and Management
Washington's archaeological record is vast, providing evidence of human activity dating back nearly 13,000 years. To protect these resources, DAHP professional archaeologists review construction projects using state or federal funds through SEPA and Section 106 reviews.
The agency manages the state's archaeological data by assigning Smithsonian trinomials (unique site identification numbers) and maintaining a database of more than 27,000 sites. Because archaeological records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure laws, DAHP regulates both the issuance of excavation permits and the research conducted by archaeological consultants.
To streamline construction planning, DAHP developed a pre-contact archaeological predictive model. This tool provides an overview of the likelihood of encountering archaeological resources in specific areas of the state. Dr. Rob Whitlam currently serves as the Washington State Archaeologist.
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The Built Environment and Heritage Barns
DAHP's built environment staff provide technical assistance on preservation standards to project planners and local governments, reviewing how land-use changes affect historic properties. Central to this effort is WISAARD (Washington Information System for Architectural & Archaeological Records Data), a statewide inventory containing maps, photographs, and survey reports.
The agency tracks properties across three primary lists: the National Register of Historic Places, the Washington Heritage Register, and the Heritage Barn Register. Michael Houser currently serves as the Washington State Architectural Historian.
Heritage Barn Preservation
Following Substitute House bill 2115-2007, the Washington State Barn Preservation program was created. DAHP is responsible for administering grants to barn owners and staffing the Heritage Barn Preservation Advisory Board, which determines eligibility for heritage barn status.
Management of Human Remains
Since July 1, 2008 (FY09), DAHP has held statutory authority over all non-forensic human remains found within the state, as mandated by HB 2624–2008. According to RCW 43.334.075, the State Physical Anthropologist must hold an MD with archaeology experience or a PhD in anthropology or archaeology.
The primary duties of the State Physical Anthropologist, a position held by Dr. Guy Tasa since August 2008, include determining the ethnicity and origin of remains and managing their repatriation to the appropriate parties.
Summary of DAHP Functions
| Function Area | Key Responsibility | Current Lead/System |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Preservation | Federal and State project reviews | Dr. Allyson Brooks (SHPO) |
| Archaeology | Permitting and site database management | Dr. Rob Whitlam (State Archaeologist) |
| Built Environment | Inventory and preservation standards | Michael Houser / WISAARD |
| Human Remains | Origin determination and repatriation | Dr. Guy Tasa (State Physical Anthropologist) |
| Heritage Barns | Grants and register maintenance | Heritage Barn Preservation Advisory Board |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the SHPO in construction projects?
The State Historic Preservation Officer reviews construction projects funded by federal or state dollars to ensure that historic resources are not adversely impacted, operating under the National Historic Preservation Act and state executive orders.
How does DAHP track archaeological sites?
DAHP uses Smithsonian trinomials to assign unique numbers to sites and maintains a comprehensive database of over 27,000 archaeological locations across Washington.
What is WISAARD?
WISAARD (Washington Information System for Architectural & Archaeological Records Data) is the statewide inventory system that stores documentation, including maps and photographs, for thousands of historic buildings and archaeological sites.
Who manages the discovery of human remains in Washington?
DAHP has statutory authority over all non-forensic human remains. The State Physical Anthropologist is responsible for determining the origin and ethnicity of the remains and overseeing their repatriation.
How can a barn be recognized as a Heritage Barn?
The Heritage Barn Preservation Advisory Board reviews applications for heritage barn status, and DAHP maintains the official Heritage Barn Register and administers related grants.