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Frenchtown council OKs transfer of archaeological finds to state museum; resident urges Lenape consultation
Summary
Council authorized transfer of artifacts recovered during sewer-plant construction to the New Jersey State Museum; a public commenter asked that the Lenape Nation be consulted, and council said the state decides custody but will raise the concern with the museum.
Council members read and described a resolution to authorize transfer of archaeological material recovered during sewer-plant construction to the New Jersey State Museum.
According to comments on the record, the finds included arrowheads, pottery and other artifacts believed to be associated with the Lenape. Council members and staff said a curator had maintained the collection since it was recovered and that the state museum has offered to house and preserve the items in a climate-controlled facility; the borough’s action enables the borough to sign a formal agreement transferring custody and care.
A public commenter asked that the Lenape Nation be consulted before the borough completes the transfer. Council members responded that the chain of custody and consultation procedures are managed by the state museum and the state; they said they would mention the concern to the borough's DAP representative and contact the state museum about the possibility of consultation. One council member noted the excavation was a mandated and costly archaeological dig done during sewer-plant construction.
The resolution to transfer the materials was presented as part of the consent agenda and read into the record. Council indicated the museum would hold the artifacts and that loans back to local schools or organizations could be arranged in the future.
