Archaeology

Hunter Research operates one of the best known and most skilled archaeological teams in the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern United States. The company investigates Native American and historic archaeological resources of all periods, shapes and sizes, offering particular expertise in the study of Revolutionary War sites (forts, encampments and battlefields); historic farmsteads and dwellings; transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, canals and railroads); industrial sites (mills, forges, potteries); and churches and cemeteries.

We routinely conduct all standard archaeological tasks, including:  collections research; scoping and screening studies; Phase IA assessments; Phase IB field surveys; Phase II evaluations; large-scale Phase III archaeological data recovery excavations; archaeological monitoring of construction activity; artifact identification, cataloging and analysis; and reporting at both the technical and popular levels. The company also frequently undertakes archaeological resource management and planning studies in support of urban redevelopment and park improvement projects. While company staff are well versed in traditional manual archaeological excavation techniques, they are also skilled in mechanically assisted excavation procedures and monitoring of geotechnical borings and ground disturbance with heavy equipment.

Hunter Research provides archaeological services to engineers, architects and landscape architects, and has extensive experience supplying archaeological input to building and landscape restoration projects. For specialized tasks, such as remote sensing, soils analysis, underwater archaeology, artifact conservation and scientific analysis of artifacts, the company draws on a well-established network of subconsultants that works closely with our field and laboratory staff.

Sample Projects Include:

Halsey Street Methodist Episcopal Church and Cemetery and Neighboring Properties, Rutgers University Newark Honors Living-Learning Center
Newark, New Jersey

In 2017 and 2018 Hunter Research carried out Phase I, II and III archaeological investigations at the site of the new Rutgers-Newark Honors Living-Learning Center in the City of Newark.   Continue
 

Central Park Military Sites; John Randel’s City Grid; Seneca Village
Central Park, Manhattan, New York City

Since 1990 Hunter Research has worked as a historical and archaeological consultant to the Central Park Conservancy in connection with several planning and capital improvement projects.   Continue

 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
New York Harbor, New York and New Jersey

Since November 2011 Hunter Research has been providing archaeological services in connection with security improvements, utilities upgrades, post-Hurricane Sandy repairs and new construction being implemented by the National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.   Continue

 
Camden and Amboy Railroad Tidewater Terminus, Intermodal Ferry Transportation Center
South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey

For 20 years Hunter Research has been conducting historical and archaeological research at the eastern terminus of the Camden and Amboy Railroad for the City of South Amboy.   Continue

Van Wagenen/Apple Tree House
Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey

Between 2006 and 2017 Hunter Research carried out a series of archaeological investigations in and around the pre-Revolutionary Apple Tree/Van Wagenen House within the fortified colonial Dutch village of Bergen (modern-day Jersey City). Continue

Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark
Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey

In 2008 and 2012-14, Phase II archaeological survey followed by Phase III archaeological data recovery and monitoring were conducted at the Tulpehaking Nature Center in conjunction with the County of Mercer’s expansion and conversion of an early 1960s residence into a community-based educational and recreational facility.  Continue

Petty’s Run Archaeological Site
New Jersey State House, Trenton, New Jersey

From 2008 to 2013 Hunter Research, under contract to WRT Design for the State of New Jersey, was engaged in a major archaeological exploration and historic interpretive design project in a park adjacent to the New Jersey State House. Continue