Antiquities Act Centennial by Mark Rose, executive and online editor of ARCHAEOLOGY

An online guide to the ground-breaking 1906 act and the celebration of its 100th anniversary

National Park Service has added a “feature” called “Antiquities Act 1906-2006” to its already extensive archaeology program website. Far more than a feature, this is a mini-gateway to the Antiquities Act and the National Monuments that presidents have created using it.

The site has a clean, simple design with clear navigation. Its homepage features photographs of Montezuma’s Castle [AZ], Devils Tower [WY], the Petrified Forest [AZ], and El Morro [NM] –the first four National Monuments created, all in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Inside, in five main sections–“About the Antiquities Act,” “Maps, Facts & Figures,” “Monument Profiles,” “Centennial Activities,” and “Continuing Conservation and Preservation”–you’ll find new material, as well links leading to existing NPS website resources and a select number of external sites. …

“Antiquities Act 1906-2006” is well designed, and its content, often available at multiple levels of detail, should appeal to broad range of people. It is well worth a look if you are interested in the history of archaeology in the United States and perhaps for your vacation planning, too. And while there, you might click on the “sitemap.” It brings up a directory of the entire NPS archaeology program website, with features such as “Ancient Architects of the Mississippi” and “The Robinson House,” teacher resources, a children’s section, online exhibits, volunteer opportunities, and frequently asked questions. There is much to explore on this site.

http://www.cr.nps.gov/archeology/sites/antiquities/