Archaeology reports filed with the Landmarks Commission document the history of each excavation site, whether any archaeological remains might be there, field testing and the significance of what was found. All of the reports are written by professional archaeologists usually hired by property owners to ensure excavation work complies with environmental, zoning and landmarks regulations.
Each of the 1,200 reports is packed with information about such previously buried treasures as the Battery beneath Battery Park, the hull of an 18th century merchant frigate found near the South Street Seaport, and several segments of early 19th century hollowed tree trunks in Lower Manhattan that were part of the City’s first public water system.
The database also contains abstracts of each report that include the name of the author, date of publication, and borough location.
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For more information about archaeology in New York City, please see the Guidelines for Archaeological Work in New York City
