The Antiquities Act: A Century of American Archaeology, Historic Preservation, and Nature Conservation

The Antiquities Act
A Century of American Archaeology, Historic Preservation, and Nature Conservation
By David Harmon; Francis P. McManamon; Dwight T. Pitcaithley
264 pp. / 6.00 in x 9.00 in / 2006
Cloth (978-0-8165-2560-7) [s]
Paper (978-0-8165-2561-4) [s]

Related Interest
- Western History
- Nature and Environment
- Archaeology

Enacted in 1906, the Antiquities Act is one of the most important pieces of conservation legislation in American history and has had a far-reaching influence on the preservation of our nation's

Winner of the State of New Mexico's 2006 Heritage Preservation Award in the category of Heritage Publication!

Informative, reflective, illustrated, and an immense pleasure to read.

—CRM: The Journal of Heritage Stewardship

It's a great introduction to the Antiquities Act, how it came about, and how it affects all of us today. Reading it would be a fine way to mark the centennial of the Act.

—Archaeology

An exceptionally impressive collection of informed and informative essays and writingsA core addition to academic and community library reference collections.

—The Midwest Book Review

This testament to a great American law provides the reader with insight into all aspects of its history and effectiveness.

—American Archaeology

cultural and natural heritage. Thanks to the foresight of thirteen presidents, parks as diverse as Acadia, Grand Canyon, and Olympic National Park, along with historic and archaeological sites such as Thomas Edison's Laboratory and the Gila Cliff Dwellings, have been preserved for posterity. A century after its passage, this book presents a definitive assessment of the Antiquities Act and its legacy, addressing the importance and breadth of the act—as well as the controversy it has engendered. Authored by professionals intimately involved with safeguarding the nation's archaeological, historic, and natural heritage, it describes the applications of the act and assesses its place in our country's future. With a scope as far-reaching as the resources the act embraces, this book offers an unparalleled opportunity for today's stewards to reflect on the act's historic accomplishments, to remind fellow professionals and the general public of its continuing importance, and to look ahead to its continuing implementation in the twenty-first century. The Antiquities Act invites all who love America's natural and cultural treasures not only to learn about the act's rich legacy but also to envision its next hundred years.

Top of Page