North Star Heritage
As a woman-led firm specializing in cultural resource management, we unite technical expertise with stakeholder outreach and project delivery.
the Black water River near the birthplace of harriet tubman, dorchester county, maryland
Professional Services
Archaeology
Professional archaeological consulting from survey to mitigation.
Historical Research
Archival investigation and contextual analysis on any topic.
Public Engagement
Collaborative partnerships that empower local voices and emphasize collaboration.
Architectural History
Built environment research, documentation, and evaluation.
Cemeteries & Burial Grounds
Expert study and documentation of historic cemeteries and burial sites.
Interpretation
Educational storytelling and creative design for heritage site interpretation.
Archaeology
Archaeological surveys are primarily carried out to ensure infrastructure and modern development projects do not inadvertently destroy buried history. We have over 20 years of experience guiding highway, utility, and development projects through Section 106, NEPA, and state laws/permits. Through creative problem solving and scientific methods, our firm understands how to balance preservation and progress.
- Project Planning
- Survey & Excavation
- GPR & Remote Sensing
- Artifact Analysis
- Construction Monitoring
- Section 106 Compliance
- Technical Reporting
- Grant & Proposal Writing
Compliance • Regulation • Minimizing Risk
Historical Research
Our team navigates state archives, local historical societies, and online resources to produce well documented histories. With years of experience behind us, we quickly locate primary sources, ensuring every project is grounded in factual accuracy. Whether for compliance or public education, our work brings hidden histories to light.
- Archival Research
- Land Use & Property History
- Traditional Genealogy
- Reports, Blogs & Public Histories
Academic Rigor • Scientific Inquiry • Factual Accuracy
Public Engagement
Successful projects thrive on mutual trust and shared understanding. We foster meaningful dialogue between project sponsors and communities. and local residents through collaborative partnerships. Supporting progressive communication, our outreach strategies ensure stakeholders have a voice in project development. We specialize in working with African American descendants, tribal governments, and traditionally marginalized communities.
- Stakeholder identification
- Public meeting facilitation
- Descendant and tribal collaboration
- Outreach plan development
- Expert client representation
- Meaningful community dialogue
COLLABORATION • TRUST • dialogue
Architectural History
Our SOI qualified architectural historians possess expertise in the documentation, research, and interpretation of the built environment. Previous projects include the evaluation of historic districts, individual properties, landscapes, and structures. We can also guide our clients through the Section 106 and NEPA compliance process for their projects as well as the preparation of NRHP nominations.
- National Register of Historic Places nominations
- Documentation, photography, and scanning
- HABS/HAER/HALS documentation
- Detailed reporting
- Section 106 compliance
Documentation • preservation • COMPLIANCE
Cemeteries & Burial Grounds
Historic cemeteries and burial grounds are sacred landscapes that link our ancestors to living communities. We offer specialized consulting to identify, document, and preserve these vulnerable sites in partnership with living descendants. Our approach integrates archival study with non-invasive field techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar, to ensure respectful stewardship. When appropriate, we can perform identification, documentation, and genetic analysis of human remains using respectful and reverent scientific methods.
- • GIS Mapping
• Headstone Documentation
• Condition Assessment
• Archival Research
• Descendant Outreach
Identification • Documentation • Protection
Interpretation
We transform historical findings into compelling visual narratives and web based products. Our interpretive products are crafted with culturally sensitive language to educate and connect, blending story telling with creative design to ensure every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of our shared heritage. From historical markers to digitally compelling story maps, we handle the study and design to bring your site's history to life.
- Design & Storytelling
- Historical Research
- Trail Exhibit Design
- Accessible Content
- Thematic Development
EDUCATION • story telling• DESIGN
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