Preserve
Curation of State Collections
Under the Historical, Prehsitorical, and Archaeological Resources act of 1973 (as amended 1990; C.R.S. 24-80-401 to 410), the State of Colorado claims title to all historical, prehistorical, and archaeological materials recovered from State, county, city, town, district, or other political subdivision of State lands.
To ensure the preservation of these artifacts and fossils the state has established collaborative partnerships with over 30 institutions that serve as curatorial repositories of the collections. Holding them in trust and ensuring their long-term preservation and availability for interpretation, exhibition, education, and research.
These institutions play a critical role in ensuring that not only are these collections cared for, but can remain as close as geographically possible to their origins. Ensuring communities still have access to the natural and cultural inheritance of humanity in Colorado.
To help guide you to the right information, please identify if you are a Repository, a Permittee, or a Researcher. Click the appropriate option below to find more information.
Repository
Guidance for current state-approved repositories and formerly approved repositories that house state collections in perpetuity. Includes information on applying to become a State Approved Repository.
Permittee
Guidance on how to choose a repository, studying and preparing collections generated under a permit, and submission of collections to a state-approved repository
Researcher
Guidance on how to get started studying state collections and practices that will require state approval.
Additional Curation Resources
State Curation Library
- Visit the Curation Library to engage with a growing set of resources for the care of state collections.
Office of the State Archaeologist Support and Mentoring
The State Curation Coordinator:
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Provides approved repositories with guidance related to the care of held-in-trust collections.
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Manages the reporting needs of approved repositories and other institutions with held-in-trust collections.
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Relates (with available data) held-in-trust collection's inventories with their associated records in the state's historical and prehistorical resources database to aid researchers in locating collections.
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Contact the State Curation Coordinator for mentoring support.
The Office of the State Archaeologist:
- Facilitates a university collections internship program and offers volunteer training opportunities for state collections care.
- Promotes the study and public exhibition of held-in-trust collections to researchers and students whenever possible.