Code of Ethics

As an organization, the Association recognizes that the archeological record is irreplaceable, and it is the responsibility of all archeologists and members of the public to work together for long-term conservation and protection of the archeological record. It is also the goal of the Association to promote responsible stewardship of all archeological resources. In light of these endeavors, the Association has established the following Code of Ethics.

1. Members who are not professional archeologists should not do archeological excavation without the direct supervision of a professional archeologist. A professional archeologist is defined as someone who has at least a Master’s degree in anthropology or related field and a year of supervisory experience. Completion of Kansas Archeology Training Program field schools requirements does not qualify an individual as a professional archeologist.

2. Looking for archeological sites (archeological survey, including walk-overs, shovel testing, and metal detecting) can be conducted without the supervision of a professional archeologist. Members undertaking archeological surveys must have prior verbal or written permission from the owner of the property. If members will be doing ground disturbance, such as ground truthing or shovel testing, as part of a survey at known sites, they should notify a professional archeologist. The professional archeologist will review the project to ensure that known sites are not damaged. When conducting ground-disturbing archeological survey, members must limit shovel tests and metal detection ground truthing to holes not more than 30 cm (1 ft) in diameter and 45 cm (1.5 ft) deep. When working on archeological sites, members should keep field notes of their surveys, including sketch maps to record the locations of where they find archeological materials. If an area is not a site (less than 50 years old or a historic artifact scatter with no features), then they do not need to report it or keep field notes unless a site is discovered. It is against the law to survey on government property without a permit and supervision of a professional archeologist.

3. A member who knows the location of an archeological site should record the site through the Kansas Historical Society Archeological Inventory or report it to an archeologist on staff at the Kansas Historical Society who will help him/her record site location and site information. If a member discovers human remains, Kansas law requires that the discovery be reported to local law enforcement.

4. Members shall not buy, sell, or trade archeological materials because this encourages the destruction of archeological sites.

5. Written exceptions can be made to these codes by Kansas Historical Society archeologists on a case by case basis.

6. Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in cancellation of membership and exclusion from Association-sponsored events upon formal review of any alleged incident(s) by the Executive Committee. An individual whose membership has been canceled may request reinstatement after a period of one year. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Executive Committee shall be necessary for reinstatement.