Stewards of Historical Preservation ("SHiP") was incorporated as an Ohio not-for-profit corporation on January 30, 2017. The Internal Revenue Service granted 501(c)(3) status to SHiP by letter dated June 7, 2017.
SHiP's mission is to serve as a steward of the cultural resources of northeast Ohio. Our work includes preserving our historic and cultural resources by documenting resources, conducting archaeological and historical surveys, curating and inventorying artifacts, educating the public, and reporting and maintaining the written and unwritten history of the region. Our specific objectives include:
- Promoting stewardship and preservation of cultural resources
- Educating the public by conducting workshops, holding special events (hikes, historic movies, etc.), sponsoring seminars and lectures, and assisting public and private school teachers in the preparation of classroom lesson plans
- Performing archaeological and historical surveys that include archival research, gathering oral histories, conducting non-invasive geophysical survey (including electrical resistivity, magnetic gradiometry, ground-penetrating radar, metal detection, and aerial drone photography) and, when appropriate, shovel test pits or full-blown excavation
- Publishing and promoting research relevant to the history of, and cultural resources found within, all of northeast Ohio.
Who Benefits From Our Programs
- Urban and suburban youth who lack access to engaging history content
- Schools and teachers (especially those who need to meet applicable social studies standards)
- Members of the public at large who enjoy attending lectures or participating on digs and other archaeological/historical investigations
- State governments and officials (as by locating sites and registering them with the State Historic Preservation Office)
- Municipal governments and officials (as by assisting with investigation of site locations thought to have historic or archaeological significance, or by assisting with historic preservation activities or regulations)
- Property owners who wish to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ohio Historical Inventory, or local landmark ordinances
- Communities and building owners who wish to preserve historic locations
- Private or governmental entities that must comply with Section 106 and/or Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act