[MassHistPres] Indigenous site under threat

[James Haskins]

Good Day All,

I’m here in Hopkinton. We have a newly discovered Indigenous cultural and a possibly religious site which has been identified on land which is going to be developed in the near future. The site is also close to a 18th century cellar hole. This discovery of the Indigenous site has been confirmed by the Narragansett Indian Tribal Preservation Officer and a representative from the Aquinas Wampanoag Nation. The Tribal Preservation Officers said they will not know the scope of the site until a Ceremonial Site Survey and an Archeological Survey has been completed. The Ceremonial Site Survey can’t be completed until October or November when the leaves fall from the trees. 

The town has in place a 6 month demo delay law for stone walls, monuments, burials markers and structures. The towns Historical Commission will tell the planning board they want to enforce the demo delay law. My understanding is there is no funding for the historic surveys. After the 6 month demo delay has expired the developer can proceed without penalty. 

Has any one else had similar experiences and how did you proceed? 
Is there anything on the state level to help in this situation.
Are there programs for towns to defray survey and Archaeologist expenses?

Many Thanks,

James Haskins
Hopkinton MA
Hopkinton Historical Society