Under Wisconsin law, the Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society must approve the archaeologists who work within the boundaries of a human burial site or analyze human remains (Wis. Stats. 157.70 and HS 2). To be approved by the Director before you conduct any work, you must meet the mandatory qualifications and submit the required documentation for approval.

The current list of approved Archaeologists for Human Burial Sites and Qualified Skeletal Analysts can be found on our website. The Wisconsin Historical Society provides these lists as a courtesy.

How to Apply for Qualified Archaeologist Approval

Meet Mandatory Requirements:

• a graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology or a closely related field; 
• at least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological or physical anthropological research, administration or management;
• at least 4 months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archaeology or physical anthropology;
• a demonstrated ability to carry research to completion;
• demonstrated experience in the excavation of burials.

Submit Required Documentation:

• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Two letters of reference

Please submit these documents to burialsites@wisconsinhistory.org.

How to Apply for Skeletal Analyst Approval

Meet Mandatory Requirements:

• a graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or a closely related field;
• at least one year of full−time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in human osteological research;
• at least 4 months of supervised analytic experience in the identification, analysis, and interpretation of human osteological remains;
• demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

Submit Required Documentation:

• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Two letters of reference

Please submit these documents to burialsites@wisconsinhistory.org.

Learn More

Information for Preservation Consultants and Archaeologists

Directories of Historic Preservation and Archaeological Consultants

Human Burials, Mounds and Cemeteries

Have Questions

Email us at burialsites@wisconsinhistory.org or call 1-800-342-7834.