In order to coordinate, encourage, and preserve the full understanding of Colorado's archaeological and paleontological resources, the State encourages the study of those collections made under the authority of a state permit. Researchers and students may find useful forms, documentation, and guidance for studying state collections here.

Finding a Collection to Research

Find repositories in your area by navigating the map below. A full-text list containing contact information for current State-Approved repositories may be downloaded here.

• If you are looking for collections from a specific site, please refer to the List of Sites with Repository Names.
• If you are a student, check out the Thesis, Capstone, Interpretation List for a list of State Collections that may need re-analsysis and resousing as part of a thesis or capstone project.

Please note that these lists are not comprehensive and will be updated by OAHP periodically. Pleae let us know of errors and omissions with State collections. The best source of information on repository collections is the designated repository official.

Research Requests

Researchers and students may contact the repository directly to make inquiries regarding the study of held-in-trust state collections.  The state trusts its repositories to handle research and loan requests as they see fit and according to our guidelines and only becomes directly involved when required.

State collections must be made available free of charge for study by qualified students and researchers.

In the event that you are unable to determine which repository contains material that would be useful for your research, please feel free to contact the State Curation Coordinator at hc_statecuration@state.co.us with your inquiry.

Proposed Research Activities that Require State Approval

Transport of material outside of Colorado

Researchers proposing to transport collections out of the State of Colorado for nondestructive analysis, study, or routine fossil preparation or artifact conservation, must secure a loan agreement between the out-of-state facility and the approved state repository intended to house the collection and submit a Request for Approval for Non-destructive Out-of-State Transportation through the following process. Being granted a permit for which the research design indicates you will be transporting collections out-of-state does not constitute an exemption, substitution, or satisfaction of this requirement. *

1. Secure a draft copy of a loan agreement from the approved state repository responsible for curating the collection.
2. Download and complete the request form.
3. Submit the completed form, draft loan agreement, and any supporting documentation to hc_statecuration@state.co.us.
4. Notification of consent will be provided by the Office of the State Archaeologist to the approved repository and researcher within 30 days of submittal.
5. Following approval, a copy of the signed loan agreement must be submitted to the hc_statecuration@state.co.us.

Destructive Analysis

Any proposed analysis of collections materials that would cause their destruction or damage, such as trace element analysis and histology, requires the written consent of History Colorado through a Request for Destructive Analysis of Held-In-Trust Artifacts or Fossil Specimen. Being granted a permit for which the research design indicates you will be performing destructive analysis does not constitute an exemption, substitution, or satisfaction of this requirement. *

Permittees proposing to perform destructive analysis on collections prior to submission should first contact the intended state-approved repository and make arrangements with them for the proposed analysis. Loan agreements are required if any portion of the material is expected to survive the analysis and be returned to the repository.

Once both parties are in agreement please request written consent through the following process.

1. If necessary, secure a draft copy of a loan agreement from the approved state repository responsible for curating the collection.
2. Download the fillable request form.
3. Submit the completed form, draft loan agreement (if required), and any supporting documentation to hc_statecuration@state.co.us.
4. Notification of consent will be provided by the Office of the State Archaeologist to the approved repository and permittee within 30 days of submittal.

Physical Reproductions

The creation of reproductions using physical methods, such as casting and molding, is considered a destructive practice and is subject to approval by the State Archaeologist.

Physical reproductions are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please submit a request letter to the State Curation Coordinator that contains the following:

• Catalog number of the material(s).
• Description of methodology to be used.
• Intended use of reproductions.
• Justification for the stress placed on the material

*Ancillary samples are exempted from these requirements per 8 CCR 1504-7 and are defined as organic or inorganic specimens, other than human remains or artifacts, gathered by scientists for the purpose of analysis to provide information on past environments, diets, chronology, or material source areas. Ancillary samples may include, but are not limited to, charcoal, wood, soil, coprolites, and floral or faunal specimens.