Frequently Asked Questions

All service requests must be initiated through the ASM Request Quote for Services website.

This online form provides drop-down and interactive fill-in questionnaires for all available services. Once the form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a summary of the information you provided. Within two business days, you will receive a quote for services. Sample procedures are provided in other parts of this FAQ page. 

Most services that can be requested from ASM require the submission of an additional application form and/or other documents that provide necessary information to complete the service.  In the case of a Value-added service (i.e., Document Request, Records Research for Archaeologists) these documents provide additional information needed to create a customized quote for the service. Please submit all completed forms that ASM receives electronically to the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu). Please see the FAQ question, How are forms electronically submitted to the Arizona State Museum? in the General Questions About ASM Services Section for more information on this procedure.

A quote is issued for ASM services, including Project Registration, based on the information provided by the client via the ASM Request Quote for Services website. The rates and fees listed in the quote are valid for 60 calendar days after date issued.

Invoices for services are generally issued in two events for each project. The first invoice, issued upon acceptance of the quote, will include costs for those services involved with actions conducted at ASM prior to in-perpetuity curation of project materials (for example, issuing an ASM Accession Number). The second invoice, issued prior to submission of artifacts and documents, will include the costs involved with processing and handling final project submissions (e.g., documents, field notes, maps, photos, collected objects or specimens).

An outline of the steps involved in registering an archaeological project with ASM is provided below:

A. Project Registration (Invoice 1)

1. The client uses the ASM Request Quote for Services website (https://arizonace.quickbase.com/db/bthqcer2g) to select services. 
2. ASM contacts the client with a quote, via email. This quote will list all requested services and associated tasks.
3. The client accepts the quote, using the link provided. 
4. The client receives Invoice 1 (for pre-submission services) via email.
5. The client pays Invoice 1.
6. The client submits appropriate forms to ASM staff.
7. ASM staff begins project registration services.

B. Project Submission (Invoice 2)

1. After the project is completed, the client emails a completed Project Submission Update Form to the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “Project Submission Update.”
2. ASM staff reviews and processes Project Submission Update forms. Revisions may be requested as needed. Invoice 2 is generated based on the information in the form.
3. Invoice 2 is issued by email.
4. The client pays Invoice 2.
5. The client delivers (in person or via mail) the project submission to ASM staff.
6. ASM staff inventories and reviews the project submission and requests revisions as appropriate.
7. The client addresses revisions, if requested by ASM staff.
8. ASM staff curates final project submission.

Invoicing and payments are handled by the University of Arizona Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP). Please email Christina Rocha (asm-rdibc-billing@email.arizona.edu) or call 520-626-0180 with questions about invoices or making payments. 

Please follow instructions given on the ASM Mandated Programs Service Request Portal, Pay an Invoice page.

Once the transaction is complete, a payment receipt will be sent to the email provided in the transaction. 

ASM accepts all major credit cards. Other payment details are included on every invoice. 

Please email Christina Rocha (asm-rdibc-billing@email.arizona.edu) at the Office of Research and Partnerships Business Center or call 520-626-0180 with questions about invoices or making payments.

Checks must be written to The University of Arizona and should be mailed to the ORP Business Center. All payment details are included on every invoice.

Mail to:
Arizona State Museum
c/o ORP Business Center
Marshall Building Room 525
845 N. Park Avenue
PO Box 210158B
Tucson, AZ  85721

Please email Christina Rocha (asm-rdibc-billing@email.arizona.edu) at the Office of Research and Partnerships Business Center or call 520-626-0180 with questions about invoices or making payments. 

ASM may offer expedited service for the following, if staff time is available:

• Burial Discovery Agreements
• Arizona Antiquities Act Permits
• Repository Service Agreements for projects curated at ASM
• Issuing new ASM site numbers
• Cultural Resources Summary Letter for Non-Archaeologists
• Project Director/Principal Investigator reviews

These expedited options may be requested when selecting services on the ASM Request Quote for Services website. See the ASM Mandated Programs Rate and Fee Schedule for more information regarding expedited turnaround times and associated fees. Please note expedited requests are handled on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon ASM staff availability. 

See the guidance below for information relevant to the various stages of a project.  

During the pre-project submission stage, i.e., services covered by the first invoice: 

• If a project is cancelled and no work has been completed by ASM, ASM will issue a refund.
• If a project is cancelled and some work has been completed by ASM, ASM will issue a refund for the work that has not yet been completed.
• If a project is cancelled and all work covered by the invoice has been completed by ASM, ASM will not issue a refund. 

During the project submission stage, i.e., curation services covered by the second invoice: 

• A CRM company requests the second invoice by submitting a Project Submission Update form (PSU). If there is more than a +/- 10% difference in the count of half-boxes of artifacts, individually catalogued artifacts, digital images, quarter linear inches of documentation, ASM Site Cards, or ASM Site Card Updates listed on the PSU and the count listed in the accepted quote, the invoice is generated using the counts on the PSU at the rates listed in the accepted quote. That is, if you submit fewer materials for curation than were originally estimated in your quote, you will almost always pay only for the materials you submit rather than paying the complete amount for curation in the original quote. Please carefully review the PSU to be sure that the listed counts are correct.
• If fewer items are submitted than were indicated in the PSU and paid for in the second invoice, ASM will not issue a refund. 

There are several ways to contact Arizona State Museum personnel. In most situations, using the general email address for an office will yield a faster response than contacting individual personnel. These office emails can be used for any questions about ASM procedures or submissions and must be used for the specific tasks listed below. Please use ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu) for questions about quotes or invoices, if you are unsure which office or offices to contact, or to submit forms as directed. 

Arizona State Museum Office Contact Information

Most services that can be requested from ASM require the submission of an additional application form and/or other document that provides necessary information to complete the request. In the case of a Value-added Service (i.e., Document Request, Records Research for Archaeologists), additional forms are necessary to provide a customized quote for the service. These forms are no longer directly emailed to ASM personnel. Please submit completed forms and relevant accompanying documents or shapefiles to the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading listed on the form and in the table below.

Please note:

1. If these instructions are followed, the submitted form will be automatically forwarded to appropriate ASM personnel.
2. Each completed form, along with relevant accompanying addenda, documents, or shapefiles, should be sent in a separate email message, each bearing the appropriate email subject heading. For example, a Records Research Form and accompanying shapefiles should be sent in a separate email message from a Burial Discovery Agreement Application.
3. Include information relevant to the form and/or project submission in the email text.
4. The centralized email account will be monitored so that messages with incorrect subject headings will be forwarded to the appropriate ASM office. To ensure there are no delays in the appropriate ASM personnel receiving completed forms, please follow these instructions.
5. Please follow the instructions in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, in addition to the “Please Note” section at the end of each form. Any documents that require hard copy submittal will be identified in both locations and mailing instructions will be included.

Almost all forms are submitted to ASM via email to the to the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu). Please be sure to read the “Please Note” section at the end of each form for submission guidelines. 

Although ASM uses the online website to initiate a service request, most services require additional form submissions to complete services, and, in some cases, to prepare the quote. Please be sure to follow all instructions provided on the website and forms. 

Yes. As part of its mission, and consistent with A.R.S. § 15-1631, ASM may discount rates normally applied to an archaeological or paleontological project for which Cultural Resources Management services are requested. Discount rates may apply to: 1) educational entities that are organized for scientific archaeological or paleontological research; 2) non-profit entities that are organized for scientific archaeological or paleontological research; and 3) independent student research. Each request is initiated by submission of this completed form and considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Brad Stone (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu) for more information.

Initiate a request for an Arizona Antiquities Act (AAA) Project-Specific Permit through the ASM Request Quote for Services website. An AAA Project-Specific Permit can be selected within the Permits section. If a client needs an AAA Project-Specific Permit sooner than 30 days, expedited services may be requested for a fee, if schedules can accommodate the expedite request. Expedited requests are handled on a case-by-case basis, based on ASM staff availability. Additionally, if a Project Director (PD) and/or Principal Investigator (PI) that is to be listed on the permit application has not been previously approved, please request a PD/PI review in the same quote request.

The AAA Project-specific Permit Application and supplementary documents (e.g., Treatment Plans) may be submitted to the Permits Office electronically; however, a hard copy of the ASM-approved Treatment Plan must be submitted to ASM within 30 days of permit issuance. Failure to do so will result in permit revocation.

Electronically submit applications and treatment plans to ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “AAA Project-specific Permit Application.”

Mail hard copies to the AAA Permits Office:

Please see the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, “Submitting an Application for an Arizona Antiquities Act Permit,” and “Submitting an Archaeological Project Director Qualification Form and an Archaeological Principal Investigator Form” for more detailed information on requesting this service.

Inquiries should be directed to:

Brad Stone
Arizona Antiquities Act Administrator, AAA Permits Office
asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu
520-621-4795

If an Arizona Antiquities Act (AAA) Blanket Permit is requested in conjunction with other services, initiate the request through the ASM Request Quote for Services website, within the Permits section. AAA Blanket Permits now require the submission of an online quote request.

The AAA Blanket Permit Application may be submitted to the Permits Office electronically to ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu). If this application is sent electronically, you no longer need to mail a hard copy. If you choose to submit solely via hard copy, please send using the below address, as appropriate:

Please see the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, “Submitting an Application for an Arizona Antiquities Act Permit,” and “Submitting an Archaeological Project Director Qualification Form and an Archaeological Principal Investigator Form” for more detailed information on requesting this service.

Inquiries should be directed to:

Brad Stone
Arizona Antiquities Act Administrator, AAA Permits Office
asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu
520-621-4795

Contact Brad Stone (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu or 520-621-4795). Please provide as much detailed information as possible about the situation along with your name and contact information. 

Reports submitted to ASM for Arizona Antiquities Act (AAA) compliance are submitted to the AAA Permits Office. Please see the following sections (listed below) of the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide for more detailed information:

• “Submitting an Application for Arizona Antiquities Act Permit”;
• “AAA Project-specific Permit for Materials to be Curated at ASM”; and
• “AAA Project-specific Permit for Materials Not Curated at ASM”.

Electronic versions of reports (preferred) may be submitted via email to the AAA Permit’s Office centralized email account (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu).  If hard copy submission of report is preferred, they can be mailed to:

Contact Brad Stone (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu or 520-621-4795) with additional questions regarding hard copy report submission.

Please see the Arizona Antiquities Act Minimum Requirements and Checklist for Reports, Treatment Plans, and Maps for guidance on writing treatment plans and reports of work conducted under AAA Project-Specific Permits. Contact Brad Stone (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu or 520-621-4795) with questions regarding submission of treatment plans and reports.

Draft versions of Treatment Plans may be submitted electronically along with permit applications to ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “AAA Project-specific Permit Application”; however, hard copies of final, ASM-approved Treatment Plans and original, signed permit applications must be mailed to the AAA Permits Office within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in permit revocation.

Electronic versions of reports (preferred) may be submitted via email to the AAA Permits Office centralized email account (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu). If hard copy submission of report is preferred, they can be mailed to:

AAA Permit applications are processed, and permits are issued in the order in which they are received. The standard turnaround time is 30 days. Expedited application reviews may be available if schedules can accommodate the request. Expedited requests are handled on a case-by-case basis, based on ASM staff availability. Treatment Plans submitted with permit applications are reviewed within 30 days; however, permit issuance may take longer than 30 days if the Project Director and/or Principal Investigator listed on the application has not been previously approved, or should ASM have comments on the plan/application that need to be addressed by the consulting firm. Please note that the permit application review timeline does not begin until both the application (and Treatment Plan if applicable) and invoice payment have been received.

AAA Permit applications are processed, and permits are issued in the order in which they are received. The standard turnaround time is 30 days; however, permit issuance may take longer than 30 days should the Project Director and/or Principal Investigator listed on the application not be previously approved. Expedited application reviews may be available for a fee, if schedules can accommodate the request. Please note that the permit application review timeline does not begin until both the application and invoice payment have been received.

If you need to add a Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director (PD) to an AAA Permit that has not already been issued, please initiate a request for an AAA Permit through the ASM Request Quote for Services website, selecting the relevant service(s). If a Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director (PD) to be added to the AAA Permit has not already been approved, include a request for a PD/PI review in the same quote request.

Please also submit the appropriate, completed form with to the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading identified on the form.

Contact Brad Stone (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu or 520-621-4795) with any questions. Please provide as much detailed information as possible, along with your name and contact information. Please see the following sections (listed below) of the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide for more detailed information:

• “Requesting an AAA Blanket Permit for a Non-Collection Survey”;
• “Requesting an AAA Project-Specific Permit”; and
• “Submitting an Archaeological Project Director Qualification Application, an Archaeological Principal Investigator Qualification Application, a Paleontological Project Director Qualification Application, or a Paleontological Principal Investigator Qualification Application.”

If you need to add a Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director (PD) to an AAA Permit that has already been issued, please initiate a request through the ASM Request Quote for Services website, selecting the AAA Permit Update service. 

Please also submit a completed AAA Permit Update Request form to the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “AAA Permit Update.” If a Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director (PD) to be added to the AAA Permit has not already been approved, include a request for a PD/PI review in the same quote request.

Contact Brad Stone (asm-aaapermits@arizona.edu or 520-621-4795) with any questions. Please provide as much detailed information as possible, along with your name and contact information. Please also see the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, “Requesting an Update to an Arizona Antiquities Act Blanket or Project-Specific Permit” section for more detailed information on requesting this service. 

Submit a completed Notification of Intent to Conduct Non-collection Survey form (NOI) ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu) prior to the initiation of field work conducted on Arizona state lands, using the email subject heading “Notification of Intent”. No acknowledgement of receipt by ASM staff is required for a NOI to take effect. 

The requirements for filing a NOI form were updated on July 1, 2020. See Section 3 of the form, which describes the project area map requirement. This map should be submitted in the same email as the NOI form.

The individuals listed as Project Director (PD) and Principal Investigator (PI) on the NOI must also be listed on the organization’s current AAA Blanket Permit. For more information about PD and PI reviews, see the FAQ question How can I add Principal Investigators and Project Directors to AAA Permits that have already been issued?

Note: An ASM Accession Number is not automatically issued with a NOI. Projects receive an ASM Accession Number when the project is registered through the ASM Request Quote for Services website. See the FAQ question, What is an ASM Accession Number and how do I request one? in the Questions about the services offered by the Archaeological Records Office (ARO) section for more information regarding the Project Registration service.

An AAA Blanket Permit End-of-the-Year Summary Report is a summary of all projects conducted under a blanket permit within a given calendar year. This report is due by 31 March of the following year (i.e. AAA Blanket Permit End-of-Year Summary Reports for 2020 blanket permits are due by 31 March 2021). If no projects were conducted under a AAA blanket permit, an email stating that fact may serve as your year-end report. 

An AAA Project-specific Permit and Burial Agreement End-of-Year Summary Report (form and instructions) is a summary of all active project-specific permits and burial discovery agreements. Any project for which final collections and records have not yet been curated at ASM, or another approved repository is considered “active.” All active projects should be included on this report, regardless of the year the permit/agreement was issued. Beginning in 2021, this report will be due by 31 March of each year.

Burial Discovery Agreement applications and supporting documentation must be submitted both digitally and in hard copy to the Repatriation Office. Additional guidance about this process is available in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the sections, “Submitting a Burial Agreement Application to the Repatriation Office for Projects with any Portion Located on State Land” and “Submitting a Burial Agreement Application to the Repatriation Office for Projects Located Entirely on Private Land,” for more information.

Any questions about the Burial Discovery Agreement process should be directed to:

Repatriation Office

Arizona State Museum / University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210026
Tucson, AZ  85721-0026
asm-repatriation@email.arizona.edu
520-626-2950 or 520-626-0320

Inquiries regarding state repatriation issues should be directed to:

Repatriation Office

Arizona State Museum / University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210026
Tucson, AZ  85721-0026
asm-repatriation@email.arizona.edu
520-626-2950 or 520-626-0320

Please refer to sections, “Submitting a Burial Agreement Application to the Repatriation Office for Projects with any Portion Located on State Land” and “Submitting a Burial Agreement Application to the Repatriation Office for Projects Located Entirely on Private Land,” in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide for information about burial discovery agreement application submissions.

For other inquiries regarding the issuance of Burial Discovery Agreements and disturbances of human remains, please contact: 

Repatriation Office
Arizona State Museum / University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210026
Tucson, AZ  85721-0026
asm-repatriation@email.arizona.edu
520-626-2950 or 520-626-0320

In brief, projects on private land will need to submit a Burial Discovery Agreement Application and Private Land Addendum forms. If the project is not to be registered with ASM, then a Request an Accession Number form must also be submitted. More detailed information about the application process and what materials are required for a Burial Discovery Agreement can be found in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide.    

If you have questions that are not addressed in the abovementioned documents, please contact: 

Repatriation Office
Arizona State Museum / University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210026
Tucson, AZ  85721-0026
asm-repatriation@email.arizona.edu
520-626-2950 or 520-626-0320

Inquiries regarding ASM's burial recovery and documentation services should be directed to:

Dr. James T. Watson
Associate Curator of Bioarchaeology
watsonjt@arizona.edu
520-621-4794

Please initiate a request for a Repository Agreement through the ASM Request Quote for Services website. A Repository Agreement can be selected within the Project Registration service for a Site Monitoring, Testing and/or Excavation, or Collection Survey project. A Repository Services Agreement can be requested for a project that already has an AAA Project-Specific Permit (that is, if it is necessary to change curation facilities) through the Arizona Antiquities Act Permit Update service. If a client needs a Repository Agreement sooner than 30 days, expedited services may be requested for a fee, if schedules can accommodate the request.

Request for Repository Services Agreement forms are submitted to the centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “Request for Repository Services.”

Please see the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, “Requesting a Repository Services Agreement from the Arizona State Museum” for more detailed information on requesting this service.

Inquiries should be directed to the ASM Repository office centralized email account (asm-repository@arizona.edu).

Yes. The 2004 Repository Manual and 2023 Interim Guidance Manual provide complete information on how to process archaeological collections that will be deposited at the Arizona State Museum under the terms of an ASM Repository Agreement. All required forms are available in the Archaeological Repository section within the Forms and Guidance page of this website.

Additional guidance is available in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the sections, “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Include Artifacts” and “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Results in No Artifacts” for more information on the submission process and requirements.

For specific questions about repository services or preparing a collection for submission to the Archaeological Repository, that are not addressed in the abovementioned documents, please contact: 

Dr. Kathryn MacFarland
Manager, Archaeological Repository
asm-repository@arizona.edu
520-621-0699

Yes, if ASM is the curation facility for the project. A stipulation of the ASM Repository Services Agreement is that any photos, ASM Site Card Updates, and other documentation of the associated fieldwork be submitted to the ASM Repository, regardless of whether artifacts were located or collected during fieldwork. If project materials from a project carried out under an AAA Project-Specific Permit are to be curated at another curation facility, the approved final report and ASM Site Update Card updates should be submitted to the ASM Permits Office. 

Please see the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Results in No Artifacts” for more information on the submission process and requirements.

All project materials are submitted following the procedures outlined in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. No project materials should be submitted to the Repository until the invoice for curation costs (Invoice 2) has been paid and, if the project was carried out under an AAA Project-Specific Permit, the final report has been approved by the ASM Permits Office. 

If artifacts were recovered during the project, certain project materials must be submitted for review before an artifact delivery can be scheduled. If no artifacts were recovered, all project materials can be submitted in a single mailed package or in-person delivery. See “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Include Artifacts” and “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Results in No Artifacts” within the guide for more detailed information.

Inquiries should be directed to the ASM Repository office centralized email account (ASM-Repository@arizona.edu).

Inquiries regarding scheduling a delivery should be directed to the ASM Repository office centralized email account (asm-repository@arizona.edu). 

Please note that all project materials are submitted following the procedures outlined in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. No project materials should be submitted to the Repository until the invoice for curation costs (Invoice 2) has been paid and, if the project was carried out under an AAA Project-Specific Permit, the final report has been approved by the ASM Permits Office.  

If artifacts were recovered during the project, certain project materials must be submitted for review before an artifact delivery can be scheduled. If no artifacts were recovered, all project materials can be submitted in a single mailed package or in-person delivery. See “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Include Artifacts” and “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Results in No Artifacts” within the guide for more detailed information.

Yes. All project submission components are reviewed for compliance (as applicable) with:

• Arizona Antiquities Act Rules Implementing A.R.S. § 15-1631 and § 41-841 et seq.,
• ASM policies and procedures,
• 2004 Repository Manual and 2023 Interim Guidance Manual,
• The Repository Services Agreement issued for the project submission,
• Arizona Antiquities Act Minimum Requirements and Checklist for Reports, Treatment Plans, and Maps, and
• Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum.

ASM Repository personnel will conduct a basic review of the collection at the time of delivery before accepting the collection. These review criteria are listed in the Archaeological Repository Project Submission Delivery Review form.

ASM Repository personnel will process the collection for curation and conduct a more thorough review after the collection is transferred to ASM. We are striving for a complete review within 30 days. However, the time to complete our review is dependent on the size of the collection and the number of issues encountered.

Please see the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide, “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Include Artifacts” and “Submitting Project Materials for Work Conducted Under a Repository Services Agreement That Results in No Artifacts” within the guide for more information on the submission process and requirements.

Approved archival boxes and box label holders are included in the per-box fee associated with curation in the ASM’s Archaeological Repository and can be picked up from the Repository by appointment.

Inquiries regarding box and box label holders should be directed to the ASM Repository office centralized email account (asm-repository@arizona.edu). 

Repository collections are generally available for research Monday through Friday by appointment. Complete and submit the Request for Access to Collections form to initiate a request for access to the collections.

Specific inquiries regarding access to ASM’s Archaeological Repository collections should be directed to:

Dr. Kathryn MacFarland
Manager, Archaeological Repository
asm-repository@arizona.edu
520-621-0699

Yes. A stipulation of the ASM Repository Agreement is that ASM site numbers be used for collections that are curated at ASM. If materials from a project at an archaeological site without an existing ASM site number are to be curated at ASM, a new ASM site number should be requested and an ASM Site Card should be included with the project submission. This is the case even if a site has an existing site number in another agency’s recording system. If the archaeological site already has an ASM site number, an ASM Site Card Update must be included with every submission to the Archaeological Repository. 

When using the ASM Request Quote for Services website to request a Project Registration and Repository Agreement, be sure to also indicate the number of archaeological sites that require a new ASM site number.  

The ASM Accession Number is a unique registration number that allows ASM staff to track all associated project materials anywhere in the museum. When a project is registered at ASM, and the Request an ASM Accession Number and Addendum forms are received, it receives an ASM Accession Number.

Specifically, ASM Accession Numbers are assigned to projects that will be submitting documentation to the Archaeological Records Office, Permits Office, Archaeological Repository, and Repatriation Office. Additional guidance is available in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the section, “Requesting a Project Registration for Non-Collection Survey, Collection Survey, Site Monitoring, Testing/Excavation Projects” for more information on requesting this service.

The Archaeological Records Office (ARO) Records Use Agreement is an application that acknowledges the terms and conditions that must be followed in order to access ARO records – either in person, for a contactless virtual ARO records research appointment, or via the Records Research for Archaeologists or Document Request services. Clients who do not hold a current Arizona Antiquities Act Blanket Permit and who have not previously submitted an Archaeological Records Use Agreement should fill out this document. Submission instructions are on the form.

Yes. The Archaeological Records office (ARO) provides a rate-based Records Research for Archaeologists service. Please make the request in the ASM Request Quote for Services website, then email the completed Records Research Request for Archaeologists form and shapefiles. 

Additional guidance is available in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the section, "Requesting Records Research for Archaeologists," for more information on requesting this service.  To discuss this service, please contact the ARO centralized email account (ASM-ARO@arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “Records Research.” 

Please note: AZSITE shapefiles are no longer available as a deliverable of the records research service. Please contact the AZSITE manager, Gabe McGowan (gmcgowan@arizona.edu) for this service.

Yes. The Archaeological Records Office (ARO) provides records research services for non-archaeologists at a flat rate; expedited services can be requested but are subject to staff availability.  The ARO provides a Cultural Resources Summary Letter summarizing all previous archaeological survey projects held in ASM collections and previously identified ASM archaeological sites within a 1-mile radius around the client's project area. The letter will include a list of previously recorded sites and projects that intersect the project area as well as recommendations regarding archaeological survey. No specific site location information, site cards, or archaeological research reports are provided per A.R.S. §39-125. If further professional archaeological services are needed, a list of professional consultants that hold a current Arizona Antiquities Act permit may be found here.

A request for this Record Research service is initiated through the ASM Request Quote for Services website. Please make the request in the online portal, then email the completed Cultural Resources Summary Letter for Non-archaeologists form to the centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu). When emailing the form, enter Cultural Resources Summary Letter in the subject heading.  The form includes submission instructions.

Additional guidance is available in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the section, "Requesting Records Research for Non-archaeologists," for more information on requesting this service. To discuss this service, please contact the ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “Cultural Resources Summary Letter.”

Records research is an added value service the museum provides for the convenience of archaeological professionals. The fee for ARO staff to fill a records research request is calculated by the time it takes to fill the request, charged at the Specialist rate identified in the ASM Mandated Programs Rate and Fee Schedule. Once this service is requested, a quote stating the fee will be issued. Once approved by our client, an invoice is issued. The fee is the same for AZSITE and non-AZSITE members.

What if I want to do my own archaeological records research?

Professional archaeologists whose company holds an Arizona Antiquities Act Blanket Permit, or other clients who have an Archaeological Records Use Agreement on file in the ARO, can conduct records research through the ARO free of charge.

The ARO offers virtual and in-office records research appointments.  See Guidelines for Conducting Research in the ARO for guidance on each type of appointment and instructions on how to make an appointment.

How can I request a copy of a document from the records office?

A request for this service is initiated through the ASM Request Quote for Services website; all information required to create the customized quote and fulfill the service will be entered into the system when requesting the quote.

Additional guidance is available in the  Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the section, “Requesting Documents from the Archaeological Records Office,” for more information on requesting this service.

Professional archaeologists whose company holds an Arizona Antiquities Act Blanket Permit, or other clients who have an Archaeological Records Use Agreement on file in the ARO, can conduct records research through the ARO free of charge.

The ARO offers virtual and in-office records research appointments.  See Guidelines for Conducting Research in the ARO for guidance on each type of appointment and instructions on how to make an appointment.

A request for this service is initiated through the ASM Request Quote for Services website; all information required to create the customized quote and fulfill the service will be entered into the system when requesting the quote.

Additional guidance is available in the  Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the section, “Requesting Documents from the Archaeological Records Office,” for more information on requesting this service.

Document requests are an added value the museum provides for the convenience of professionals. The fee for ARO staff to fill a document request is calculated by the time it takes to fill the request, charged at the Specialist rate identified in the ASM Mandated Programs Rate and Fee Schedule. Once this service is requested, a quote stating the fee will be issued. Once approved by our client, an invoice is issued. The fee is the same for AZSITE and Non-AZSITE members.

If you have questions regarding the availability of project registration forms, site cards, or other site records on AZSITE, please contact the AZSITE manager, Gabe McGowan (gmcgowan.arizona.edu).  

All requests for an ASM Site Number should follow the procedures outlined in the Submission Procedures and Checklists for Cultural Resources Management Services Requested from the Arizona State Museum guide. Please see the section, “Requesting an ASM Site Number,” for more information on requesting this service.

A request for this service is initiated through the ASM Request Quote for Services website. Please make the request in the online portal, then email the completed ASM Site Number Request form to ASM’s centralized email account (asm_crm@email.arizona.edu), using the email subject heading “Request an ASM Site Number.”