Guidelines for Conducting Historic Resources Survey in Virginia (2017)
This is DHR’s survey manual that provides detailed instructions for how to design a survey, conduct research, use historic contexts, and conduct and organize both architectural and archaeological survey. It also provides instructions on organizing and submitting materials to DHR.
DHR Guidelines are Under Revision
Staff members are working with consultants and subject matter experts to update content and methodology. If you have suggestions for areas to improve, please let us know using the form below.
Contacts
Jolene Smith (804) 482-6438
Director of Resource Information & Register
White Papers and Best Practices
Resources below contain examples of suggested methodology, tools, and approaches to cultural resources survey.
Methodology for delineating cemeteries, prepared by the Council of Virginia Archaeologists and submitted to DHR in 2025. While this suggested methodology has not yet been formally incorporated into the agency’s Guidelines for Conducting Historic Resources Survey in Virginia, they are provided here for reference.
Methodology for performing remote sensing for cemeteries, prepared by the Council of Virginia Archaeologists and submitted to DHR in 2025. While this suggested methodology has not yet been formally incorporated into the agency’s Guidelines for Conducting Historic Resources Survey in Virginia, they are provided here for reference.
Coming Soon