SURA is owned by Dr. Malcolm Shuman, who, in addition to working on archaeological projects in Mexico, France, Texas, and the American Southwest, has more than 40 years of experience with Louisiana archaeology. The team at SURA is passionate about the preservation of Louisiana's cultural heritage. SURA archaeologists strive to safeguard the past, while working with clients to move the state into the future.
In today's competitive environment, time is of the essence. The SURA team tailors its services to meet the time-sensitive needs of the customer, working expeditiously and efficiently. CRM surveys are executed in a manner that reflects a duel emphasis on the client and the meticulous creation of cultral material remains.
Transparency is our watchword. SURA archaeologists work in accordance with U.S. federal regulations and state mandates to sustain Louisiana's rich cultural heritage. Moreover, team members maintain open lines of communication between the client and the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) to provide optimal solutions to customers' development needs.
Phase I Surveys
Phase II National Register Testing
Phase III Data Recovery
Initial Assessments
Damage Assessments
Construction Monitoring
Research Plans
Site Probability
Evaluations
Cemetery Surveys
Site Relocations
US Forest Service
Louisiana Department of National Resources
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge
Corps of Engineers (Vicksburg District)
City of Shreveport Airport Authority
St. Charles Parish Police Jury
Exxon Pipeline Company
Amoco Pipeline Company
Louisiana Hunt Oil Company
Pennzoil
Hogan Exploration
GEC, Inc.
SJB Group, Inc.
R-S-H Engineers
Ford Bacon and Davis Engineers
Compliance Consultants, Inc.
Urban Systems, Inc.
A. Wilbert and Sons, Inc.
Audubon Park (New Orleans)
In addition to ensuring quality service to our clients, SURA endeavors to give back to the archaeological community. Recognizing the need for young archaeologists to apply and refine the skills they acquire in the classroom, SURA provides employment opportunities for recent college graduates during the busy spring and summer field seasons. As employees at SURA, new professionals are given a prime opportunity to hone their proficiency in the field and the laboratory, as they work alongside seasoned archaeological specialists. In this environment, newly minted archaeologists expand their knowledge base as researchers, team members, and team leaders. The result is a collective of well-rounded, exceptionally qualified individuals who thrive in a highly competitive job market.
Most areas of the Southeast have a rich history, beginning with the Exploration and Colonial periods, but there are thousands of years of occupation before that, an occupation often only evidenced by a few flakes and pieces of pottery.
Contract archaeology investigations usually fall under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The job of the archaeological consultant is to advise the client concerning the nature of the archaeological resources (if any) in the project area and then to work with the client to satisfy federal requirements in a timely fashion.
A conscientious archaeological consultant is his client's trusted adviser, providing the most knowledgeable advice on how to negotiate the often-daunting regulatory thicket.