Preserving Archaeology through Photography

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Learn about Preserving Archaeology through Photography with Dr. Samantha Rubinson from the State Historic Preservation Office

The reality of historic preservation is that change is inevitable. Through time we will never be able to preserve everything. From the streets of Pompeii to the silent desert canyons of Nevada, these remnants of our history are fading. However, historic preservation professionals are looking for other means by which to preserve these precious places. One method that has evolved with the discipline of archaeology over the last 100 years is photography. Photographs capture a window into the life history of these historic treasures and can provide future archaeologists a way to continue to study these places long after they have disappeared. Worldwide preservation through photography is becoming essential for keeping a record of our past

In Nevada, photographs of archaeological sites from volunteers and professionals throughout the state are being compiled by the Nevada Site Stewardship Program into a photo database designed to preserve a living record of these amazing places. As Nevada’s archaeology is constantly threatened by human and natural impacts, this record may hold the last known pictures of these sites. With the help of the general public, like you, we can preserve Nevada’s past through photography!