ORANGE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- An international organization has recognized one of Virginia’s presidential sites for its work in public archaeology.

The Society for Historical Archaeology presented James Madison’s Montpelier with its 2023 Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology.

This award was created in 2011 by the staff of John Milner Associates, Inc, which is now part of the Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc.

It honors Daniel G. Roberts, who was a pioneer in public historical archaeology, especially from within a heritage management framework.

SHA says public archaeology entails a commitment to the broad dissemination of lessons learned from archaeology and the importance of preserving the archaeological record.

This award is given to recognize outstanding and sustained accomplishments in public historical archaeology by individuals, educational institutions, museums, government agencies, and for-profit or nonprofit firms or organizations.

Regarding the award for Montpelier, the presidential residence was selected for its presentation of a “robust interactive public archaeology program since the early 1990s that has made archaeological research an integral component of telling the whole true history of Montpelier.”

It also recognizes Montpelier’s efforts to integrate the stories of the enslaved community and their descendants.

Members of the community can participate in the archaeology programs at Montpelier. For more information, click here.