Minnesota Statutes State History (Ch. 138-140) § 138.31. Definitions

Subdivision 1. Scope. As used in sections 138.31 to 138.42, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Archaeological methods. “Archaeological methods” means scientific procedures used in field archaeology by recognized professional authorities on archaeology.

Subd. 3. Commissioner. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of administration.

Subd. 4. Custodian. “Custodian” means any school or scientific institution which has the physical possession of objects of archaeological significance or data belonging to the state.

Subd. 5. Data. “Data” means field notes, photographs, maps, and other records relating to field archaeology.

Subd. 6. Director of the historical society. “Director of the historical society” means the director of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Subd. 7. Field archaeology. “Field archaeology” means the study of the traces of human culture at any land or water site by means of surveying, digging, sampling, excavating, or removing objects, or going on a site with that intent.

Subd. 8. Historical society. “Historical society” means the Minnesota Historical Society.

Subd. 9. Object. “Object” means a natural or artificial article, implement, skeleton, bone, or other item of archaeological interest.

Subd. 10. Qualified professional archaeologist. “Qualified professional archaeologist” means an archaeologist who meets the United States Secretary of the Interior's professional qualification standards in Code of Federal Regulations, title 36, part 61, appendix A, or subsequent revisions.

Subd. 11. Schools. “Schools” means universities, colleges, and community colleges, whether publicly or privately owned.

Subd. 12. Scientific institutions. “Scientific institutions” means museums, historical societies, foundations for archaeological study, state agencies, and scholarly groups with professional standing and physical facilities for the display, study, and preservation of objects of archaeological interest.

Subd. 13. Site or archaeological site. “Site” or “archaeological site” has the same meaning as “state site” or “state archaeological site.”

Subd. 13a. State Historic Preservation Office. “State Historic Preservation Office” means the State Historic Preservation Office at the Department of Administration.

Subd. 14. State site or state archaeological site. “State site” or “state archaeological site” means a land or water area, owned or leased by or subject to the paramount right of the state, county, township, or municipality where there are objects or other evidence of archaeological interest. This term includes all aboriginal mounds and earthworks, ancient burial grounds, prehistoric ruins, historical remains, and other archaeological features on state land or on land subject to the paramount rights of the state. Historical remains do not include bottles or ceramics manufactured after 1875.

Subd. 15. The university. “The university” means the University of Minnesota.