Common Services

Most of Paragon Research Associates' (PRA) work is unique and our projects are tailored to the specific needs of our clients; however, our project work is build around several core services in three primary areas: collections management and assessments; archaeology and cultural resources management; and historical and archival research.

Collections and Storage Assessments

Collections and Storage Assessments are the evaluation of storage conditions and collections care in report format including specific action steps for improvement.

Collection Inventories

Collection Inventories involve determining and identifying of the extent and content of a collection.

NAGPRA Inventories

NAGPRA Inventories are the identification of the extent and content of items within a collection which are subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

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Condition Reports

Condition Reports include an evaluation of collections or objects to document the condition of the items prior to, during, and after exhibit or loan.

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Curation

Curation involves the proper archival storage and organization of a collection including documentary materials and electronic data.

Collections Rehabilitation

Collections Rehabilitation involves upgrading and improving curation of collections and associated records to meet the current museum standards including 36 CFR Part 79.

Facilities Assessment

A Facilities Assessment is a review of all museum, storage, and/or repository facilities where you house collections. This may include a review of your storage areas, accessibility for research, and exhibit requirements based on your particular group's needs.

Collection Management Plan Development

Collection Management Plan Development involves outlining procedures and methods for the management of collections including access issues, research policies, and all aspects of collections care requirements.

Exhibits

PRA assists clients evaluate, install, and arrange exhibit cases based on the objects to be displayed. Often a Condition Report is also completed at the time an object is exhibited.

Research

Research usually involves a review of documents or materials at the DAHP, Local or Regional Colleges and Universities, and Historical Societies. Most often research is conducted to collect data for a NEPA evaluation or Section 106 review.

Field Surveys

Field Surveys involve an on-site inspection and testing to determine if a site is located or has a high probability of being located in an area. Field surveys are usually conducted when research determines a high probability that a site may be present, but many clients request field surveys as a matter of course to help reduce potential issues that can arise during construction if a site is found.

Construction Monitoring

Construction Monitoring is often used as a conservation measure when it is not possible to definitively determine if a site is present at a given location after completing research and/or a field survey. This is relatively common in developed areas where deposits may have been disturbed, buried, or obscured by past development. Many resource agencies require construction monitoring as a condition of the NEPA review or permit approval, particularly if work will occur in areas that have a high probability to contain sites such as along shorelines, at river and stream mouths, or where sites have been previously identified nearby.