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Montana Antiquities Database
 

Tipi on Pryor creek

The Montana Antiquities Database contains cultural resource information on known historic and archaeological sites, previously conducted cultural resource inventories, National Register site status, and cultural resource management project information. The database uses Oracle software and is housed at the Montana State Historic Preservation Office in Helena and the University of Montana Site Records Office in Missoula.

The database is divided into three parts:

  1. Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS)
    • The CRIS portion of the database contains information on over 51,000 historic and archaeological sites within the State of Montana. It includes information on site type, owner, period, legal location, and numerous other data fields. CRIS is currently managed by the University of Montana Site Records Office. To request a Smithsonian number or a site form please contact the Site Records Office.  A temporary CRIS form will need to be sent to receive a Smithsonian number.  The SHPO requires Smithsonian numbers in order to process all consultation, including resolving APE, Eligibility, Effect etc., as it is the sole means of tracking properties.

    University of Montana Site Records Office

    Hours: 8:00 - 5:00  Monday - Friday
    Phone: (406) 243-5525
    -If no-one answers, leave message and someone will return call within 1-2 working days.
    Address:
    Site Records Office
    Department of Anthropology
    University of Montana
    Missoula, MT 59812

    Turn-around time: 10 working days maximum to receive a Smithsonian Number.
    (generally returned in less than 5)

  2. Cultural Resource Annotated Bibliography System (CRABS)
    • The CRABS bibliographic listings contain information on over 30,000 previous cultural resource inventories conducted within the State of Montana. It includes information on author, title, date completed, survey acres, legal location, agency, and other useful data fields. It also includes a list of searchable keywords that allows us to generate reports on specific topics.

  3. Project, Eligibility, & Effect Report (PEER)
    • PEER includes information on cultural resource projects conducted around Montana, and that SHPO reviews on a regular basis. It includes information on the eligibility of sites, effects, and more general project information.
Bison
 

To request a File Search for your project area please fill out a File Search Request Form and email it to dmurdo@mt.gov.

Use the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) Digital Atlas to find out if there are historic or archaeological sites in your area.

If you have any questions regarding the Antiquities Database please see our FAQs page, or contact Damon Murdo at: (406) 444-7767 or E-mail to: dmurdo@mt.gov