STATE ARCHEOLOGIST. The office of state archeologist was instituted by the Fifty-ninth Texas Legislature in 1965 and was at that time attached to the State Building Commission. The office was transferred to the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (now the Texas Historical Commission) on September 1, 1969. The role of the state archeologist is to conduct a comprehensive statewide program to inventory, evaluate, preserve, and interpret archeological resources for the public. The office conducts field surveys to record and evaluate sites, with priority given to those in imminent danger of destruction. Services provided to the public include site examination, conservation advice, and lectures. The office works closely with a statewide network of amateur archeologists who assist in preserving sites and collections. The state archeologist is one of seven members of the Texas Antiquities Committee, which determines and designates sites of state archeological landmarks. The office is closely coordinated with the Archeological Planning and Review Division of the Texas Historical Commission.
