American archeological resources are part of America's irreplaceable national heritage and illuminate the ancient and modern history of the people and land encompassed by the United states. Archeological resources include sites, collections, data, and reports associated with important events, individuals, and groups. They have much to tell us about people and their lives,interaction with the environment, and development of communities. Agencies that manage these resources are responsible to the American people for their appropriate use, preservation, and protection. Archeological data provides a unique perspective on research problems from the development of specific ancient and historical events and culture histories to changes associated with global warming. The Secretary of the Interior provides leadership and coordination through the National Park Service for archeological activities throughout the Federal government. The Secretary reports to Congress on archeological activities as directed by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and its regulations (ARPA; 16 U.S.C. 470ll; 43 CFR 7.19). The Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 mandated that the Secretary of the Interior should submit an annual report to Congress on the scope and effectiveness of the program, the specific projects surveyed and the results produced, and the costs incurred by the Federal government. Amendments to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) in 1988 expanded the scope of reporting to include activities carried out under provisions of that Act, as well (Sec. 13; 16 USC 470ll). The Secretary delegated the responsibility of producing the report to the National Park Service, specifically the Departmental Consulting Archeologist (DCA). The DCA coordinates the government-wide collection of information about the Federal Archeology Program through the Archeology Program of the National Park Service.

This is the first volume specifically dedicated to the consolidation and clarification of Heritage Studies as a distinct field with its own means of investigation. It presents the range of methods that can be used and illustrates their application through case studies from different parts of the world, including the UK and USA. The challenge that the collection makes explicit is that Heritage Studies must develop a stronger recognition of the scope and nature of its data and a concise yet explorative understanding of its analytical methods. The methods considered fall within three broad categories: textual/discourse analysis, methods for investigating people’s attitudes and behaviour; and methods for exploring the material qualities of heritage. The methods discussed and illustrated range from techniques such as text analysis, interviews, participant observation, to semiotic analysis of heritage sites and the use of GIS. Each paper discusses the ways in which methods used in social analysis generally are explored and adapted to the specific demands that arise when applied to the investigation of heritage in its many forms. Heritage Studies is a seminal volume that will help to define the field. The global perspective and the shared focus upon the development of reflexive methodologies ensure that the volume explores these central issues in a manner that is simultaneously case-specific and of general relevance.