GAI's full-service contract archaeology services are backed by more than 30 years of experience in prehistoric, historical, and urban archaeology. With detailed sensitivity and resource assessments, our dedicated professionals clear the way for new projects by preserving the past. GAI routinely conducts Phase I reconnaissance surveys before shovel testing to screen test areas for elimination. This costs- and labor-saving approach is accepted by FERC, NHPA, NEPA, and State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs).

GAI staff qualifications exceed federal standards for CRM studies, and many of our archaeologists are certified by the Register of Professional Archaeologists. We are serious about our cutting-edge cultural resource capabilities, and maintain a 2,500-square-foot archaeological laboratory in Pittsburgh to process and analyze field artifacts.

Archaeological Investigation Projects 

GAI's preservation services are supported by a modern, well-equipped archaeology laboratory featuring GIS and CADD facilities, artifact storage areas, a photographic darkroom, and a large-format camera for adhering to stringent HABS/HAER standards. Our in-house laboratory staff specializes in prehistoric lithic analysis, ceramic analysis, mussel shell analysis, historical artifact analysis, and artifact photography.

Archaeology Laboratory/Artifact Analysis Projects 

GAI conducts historical research on a project for our clients to determine what is already known and recorded about the archaeological sites and historic properties in a project area.

This investigation includes examination of the state archaeological site files and historic structure files, which contain information on previously recorded archaeological and historic sites in the state. Historic context studies also may be performed to gain a general understanding of the geology, prehistory, and history of the surrounding locality. Informant interviews may occur to determine if Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs) also exist in the project area or the immediate vicinity.

Assessment Planning/Studies Projects

As a planning tool, GAI uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop predictive models that locate areas most likely to contain archaeological sites within a project’s boundaries. This is usually reserved for large tracts of land or multiple alternative corridors where traditional field surveys are prohibitive and costly.

Systems developed by GAI include spatial mapping as well as archived photographs, forms and inventories of resources. Developed with user-friendly interface, we provide our clients with the training they need to use the model for their in-house planning needs.

GPS Surveys/GIS Predictive Modeling Projects 

GAI’s geoarchaeology, geomorphology, and pedology programs reconstruct past cultural activities through analysis of collected geography, soils, and sediment data. GAI specialists have contract archaeology experience from Phase IA sensitivity modeling through Phase III site mitigation. They tailor their work to identify and address individual client-project needs.

A thorough geomorphic study of a project area before shovel testing often eliminates test areas, a costs- and labor-saving approach accepted by FERC, NHPA, NEPA, and State Historic Preservation Offices. On-site and laboratory analyses of geography, soils, and sediment provide quantitative information on site formation and allow GAI specialists to place cultural resources into proper historic context.

Our professional staff, which includes a full-time Certified Professional Soils Scientist (CPSSc), also evaluates detailed soil profiles to reconstruct historic landscape and climate, and interpret human-induced changes in the soil. These findings and their results influence the extent to which cultural resources are preserved in place, moved, modified, or destroyed.  

Additional services that support our archaeological analyses include detailed stratigraphic soil profile evaluations, ceramic thin section analysis, lithic sourcing studies, and climate change analyses.

Geoarchaeology  Projects

Historic architectural resources include above-ground buildings, structures, sites, and districts. Our project experience ranges from large-scale architectural surveys for transportation and energy projects, to evaluations of buildings and districts for municipalities with Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants. We conduct documentary research, National Register evaluations and nominations, and inventory surveys consistent with the procedures established by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

We understand the complexities of Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act and how visual and cumulative effects can be resolved through identifying reasonable boundaries of historic districts, cultural landscapes, TCPs, and viewsheds.

GAI’s specialists also develop preservation plans and architectural design guidelines to assist local governments with tax incentives and in their economic development efforts.

Historic Architecture Projects

With the emphasis on site stewardship, sometimes avoidance is the best decision for site protection. GAI has a 30 year history in designing and implementing full Phase III archaeological data recovery excavations on both historic and preshistoric sites for many different public agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. But clients can sometimes avoid costly excavation with alternate approaches.

GAI's award-winning strategies mitigate adverse effects to archaeological sites that cannot be otherwise avoided. Regional syntheses, public education programs, artifact conservation projects, and many other creative ideas can be developed that satisfy the SHPO for Section 1067 requirements.

Phase III Projects 

Many legally binding documents are required to satisfy federal agencies that Section 106 guidelines are being followed. With 30 years experience, GAI has developed documents for a broad range of situations. From developing project-specific Programmatic Agreements that plan how historic properties will be handled, to writing Memorandums of Agreement mitigating adverse effects, to documenting culturally sensitive Native American consultations, GAI has been commended by several state and federal agencies for our timeliness and precise attention to detail.

Prog Agree/MOA Projects

Award-winning public outreach programs support Section 106 guidelines and convey the benefits of a project to affected local communities. At GAI, we create Web sites, author publisher-quality reports, and organize hands-on programs for students. Communication is the key to project success, and our information efforts add long-term value to clients’ involvement in cultural resource projects.

Our clients say it best,

“GAI’s exceptional ability to coordinate the interests of the public, state and federal agencies, and the archaeological community, along with informed research and analytical approaches to the archaeological data of the Coverts Crossing site, documents the prehistory of the Mahoning Valley in a way that Section 106 was intended.” (Pennsylvania Bureau for Historic Preservation).

Public Coordination and Outreach Projects