Introduction – Hermitage Readiness Center Phase I & II Archaeology
The Hermitage Readiness Center was proposed on a 20-acre site in Hermitage, PA. HHSDR Architects and Engineers (HHSDR) designed the center and prepared the project area for construction. As a condition of the permitting process, consultation with the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA-SHPO) was required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). The PA-SHPO sent a letter stating that a Phase I Archaeological Investigation was necessary for the PA Army National Guard facility (Hermitage Readiness Center facility for the PA Army National Guard). HHSDR turned to Big Pine Consultants LLC for help to navigate the PA-SHPO consultation process and complete the required Phase I & II Archaeology work.
Background – Hermitage Readiness Center Phase I & II Archaeology
Following PA-SHPO’s instruction, Big Pine Consultants initiated a Phase I Archaeological Investigation at the Hermitage Readiness Center site. In 2023, our dedicated team conducted over 400 shovel test pits. Consequently, we unearthed artifacts dating from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution. These discoveries verified the site’s historical significance. Subsequently, we compiled an extensive Phase I report for PA-SHPO, prompting a Phase II evaluation request from PA-SHPO.
Big Pine completed the subsequent Phase II investigation that was aimed at refining the site’s boundaries, assessing its importance, and evaluating its integrity for further research and potential inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Although the site was historic, it was ultimately determined to have insufficient integrity due to past disturbances and was deemed not eligible for NRHP listing.
Impact
Big Pine Consultants adhered to an expedited schedule, securing PA-SHPO’s concurrence and enabling the procurement of federal funds as well as satisfying other construction-related requirements for the Hermitage Readiness Center. The findings from Big Pine Consultants not only facilitated the construction project but also provided PA-SHPO and the community with valuable historical insights into the Hermitage area.
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To delve into the world of historic preservation and uncover more about Big Pine Consultants LLC’s role in archaeology, we invite you to visit our website Cultural Resources.
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