The draft goals for DC’s 2015 Historic Preservation Plan is on the web and open for comment. Below is an excerpt under “Promoting appreciation of our heritage”
Make archaeology visible
Washington’s landscape has been a place of human occupation for thousands of years, and the physical evidence of this history is a fascinating part of the District’s heritage. Unfortunately, archaeological artifacts often go unnoticed when they are underground or conserved in collections. There is now substantial progress toward making the wealth of DC archaeology more accessible and better understood as a public resource.
These efforts should continue, and by 2015 they should culminate in the establishment of a District of Columbia archaeological curation facility that makes collections available for research and public enjoyment.
To compare with the DCHPO plan of 2008-2012, there is this excerpt under Protect and Improve Understanding of District Archaeological Resources
Treat archaeological artifacts as significant public property. Ensure that all data and artifacts recovered from archaeological excavations are appropriately conserved and stored in a facility with proper environmental controls.
ACTIONS:
* Assemble collections currently stored in various locations into a single unified collection.
* Establish a facility for the proper conservation and storage of artifacts, archaeological materials, and related historic documents owned by the District. Ensure public access to these materials and promote research using the collections and records. Investigate and consider city-owned and shared facilities with another local institution such as universities or the federal government.
So the 2012 “single unified collection” goal sounds like it will be arriving later, perhaps in 2015. As my Spanish friend like to say; “Sorprendeme.”