KELLY HAGENMAIER
Qualified Principal Investigator with 20+ years in archaeological research and excavation. Detail-oriented with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle large scale projects both effectively and efficiently. Recognized for taking a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with a focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Work History
Senior Archaeologist/Principal Investigator
16 Years 11 MonthsUntil just recently due to company closure, I served as a project manager and principal investigator at Chronicle Heritage (previously Commonwealth Heritage Group, LLC/Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc. [Commonwealth]). I began at Commonwealth in 2006, starting as a field technician for the Phase I survey of the Rockies Express Pipeline-East (REX) project. Throughout the duration of this project I was promoted several times, to GPS tech, and then to a crew chief. As part of the project I assisted in overseeing Phase II investigations (various sites in Illinois) and the Phase III recovery of 11ST540, a Middle- to Late Archaic transitional site located in the Illinois River Valley. I also assisted with both laboratory and lithic analysis of the assembled artifacts. I was made full-time staff in 2009.
Since then I have worked in numerous capacities, including as a logistics coordinator on large complex pipeline projects, as an archaeological monitor, and as a field director on Phase I surveys, Phase II surveys, and Data Recovery projects. I am well-versed in research and frequently perform background investigations for both archaeological and above-ground projects. I am also responsible for authoring and reviewing numerous technical reports. I have taken the lead in managing the Forest Service contracts for the Dexter, Michigan office since 2022.
I have 20 years of archaeological experience working on both pre- and postcontact archaeological sites throughout the Great Lakes and Midwest. My job responsibilities while with Chronicle Heritage/Commonwealth have included but were not limited to:
- Directing archaeological field investigations, aligning survey methods with permitting and compliance requirements.
- Managing cultural resources documentation, ensuring accurate site records, maps, and technical reports.
- Evaluating field findings to determine site significance, eligibility, and mitigation recommendations.
- Coordinating multidisciplinary project work, maintaining schedule adherence and communication across teams.
- Training field staff on survey techniques, artifact handling, and documentation protocols.
- Synthesizing research, field observations, and agency input into clear recommendations for project planning.
- Developing comprehensive site reports that detailed excavation findings, methodology, and contextual analysis for future researchers to reference.
- Successfully managing archaeological projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely progress while adhering to strict budgets.
- Monitoring construction projects near archaeological sites to ensure proper measures were taken to preserve valuable artifacts during development processes.
- Training junior archaeologists and supervised their work, fostering a collaborative learning environment for professional growth.
Archaeological Field Technician
1 MonthConducted Phase II excavations at the Great Bend archaeological site in Southeast Ohio.
Adjunct Professor
9 MonthsTaught three courses: Intro to Physical Anthropology (205); Intro to Cultural Anthropology (200); and Introduction to Anthropology (100).
- Delivered engaging classroom instruction, adapting teaching methods to varied student learning styles.
- Evaluated assignments and exams.
- Maintained regular office hours to advise students on coursework, expectations, and academic support.
Senior Field Technician
Conducted Phase I survey in Monroe, Michigan for Marathon Gas.
Researcher
Collected information on the Breastworks Cemetery/Cemetery Hill site. Interviewed local historians and government officials, researched library archives and reviewed archaeological resources for magnetometer survey.
Program Director
Coordinated and executed two week-long public archaeology programs for avocational adult volunteers and high school students, fostering interest in archaeological careers. Developed instructional media and laboratory exercises to enhance participant learning and engagement. Facilitated hands-on activities and provided instruction in archaeological excavation techniques, enhancing participants' practical skills and knowledge.
Supervisor
Taught and supervised college participants enrolled in the field school at the Fort St. Joseph site (20BE23) in Niles, Michigan.
Supervisor/Lab Staff
2001–2003 Experiential Learning Program, Johnson’s Island, Ohio. Supervisor. Involved in the daily management of a public archaeology program aimed at students from grades 3-12 that was undertaken at the Johnson’s Island Prisoner of War Depot historic site, a National Historic Landmark site and former Confederate prison. Duties included scheduling class visits; preparing and overseeing lab activities; developing and delivering presentations; creating media; instructing lab work and excavations; and educating the public on the importance of archaeological resources and history.
2001 Fallen Timbers Public Archaeology Project, Maumee, Ohio. Field Supervisor/Lab Staff. Prepared grids prior to survey by metal detectors; instructed and supervised volunteers in test pit excavations; recorded field notes and other documentation; prepared, organized, and participated in laboratory work; labeled and analyzed field specimens.
2001 Fallen Timbers Public Archaeology Project, Maumee, Ohio. Field Supervisor/Lab Staff. Prepared grids for metal detector survey; instructed and supervised volunteers in test pit excavations; recorded field notes and documentation; organized and participated in lab work; labeled and analyzed field specimens.
2001 Fort Laurens, Bolivar, Ohio. Field Crew. Assisted in site survey, screening, excavation, field recording, and test pit excavations.
1999–2000 Fort Adams, Celina, Ohio. Field Crew. Assisted in excavation. Led test pit crews during 2000 season.
Education
M.A. - Anthropology
B.A. - Anthropology
Skills
Affiliations
- Society for American Archaeology
- The Conference of Michigan Archaeology; Trustee from 2014 to present
- The Archaeological Conservancy
- Register of Professional Archaeologists
- Honor Society of Heidelberg College
Certification
Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards for archaeology (48 FR 44738-44739)
Register of Professional Archaeologists
Select Project Experience
Hiawatha National Forest CCR Surveys: 2022-2025 Heritage Resource Surveys in the Hiawatha National Forest for the Carp, Whitefish, McNearney, Straits, Stutts, and Pine Project areas in Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft Counties; USDA Forest Service – Michigan. Project Manager and Principal Investigator (2022-2025). Commonwealth surveyed approximately 82,599 acres of land in the Hiawatha National Forest under five survey options: the Base contract; Option 1 Carp and Whitefish; Option 2 Straits and McNearney; Option 3 Stutts; and Option 4 Pine. Across the five items, 296 individual survey areas were investigated and 639 previously identified and/or newly located cultural resources (345 archaeological sites and 294 non-designated resources) were recorded or monitored over the course of the 4-year contract. Ms. Hagenmaier is the primary author and principal investigator for the Base Contract and Option 1 report and for the Option 3 report. She is the co-principal investigator for the Option 2 and Option 4 reports.
Hiawatha National Forest CCR Surveys: 2019 Heritage Resource Surveys in the Dukes and Straits Project Areas of the Hiawatha National Forest, Alger, Mackinac, and Marquette Counties; USDA Forest Service – Michigan. Principal Investigator (2019-2020). Commonwealth surveyed approximately 10,718 acres of land in the Hiawatha National Forest. Seventy-five previously identified and newly located cultural resources (42 archaeological sites and 33 non-designated resources) were documented. Ms. Hagenmaier served as the lead author of the project report and authored the interim report.
Phase II Archaeological Investigations at Joint Base Langley Eustis – Fort Eustis, Newport News, Virginia; Statistical Research, Inc., Virginia. Co-Principal Investigator (2018-2019). In 2018–2019, Commonwealth was subcontracted to evaluate three sites located on the military base for possible listing in the National Register of Historic Places: 44NN0096, 44NN0105, and 44NN0123. Ms. Hagenmaier served as a field director and co-principal investigator for the Phase II investigations of sites 44NN0096 and 44NN0123. She conducted the background research for the project and is the lead author of the final report for the Phase II evaluation of site 44NN0123 and co-author of the final report for the Phase II evaluation on 44NN0096. Additionally, she assisted with laboratory processing and analysis of the historic artifacts recovered from 44NN0123.
Hiawatha National Forest CCR Surveys: Proposed Vegetation Management Areas in the East Unit of the Hiawatha National Forest, Chippewa and Mackinac Counties; USDA Forest Service – Michigan. Principal Investigator (2018-2019). Commonwealth surveyed approximately 17,341 acres of land in the Hiawatha National Forest. Seventy-two previously identified and newly located cultural resources (62 archaeological sites and 10 non-designated resources) were documented. Ms. Hagenmaier served as the lead author of the project report and authored the interim report.
Ottawa National Forest CCR Surveys: 2018 Cultural Resources Surveys, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, and Ontonagon Counties; USDA Forest Service – Michigan. Principal Investigator (2018-2019). Commonwealth surveyed approximately 5,775 acres of land in the Ottawa National Forest. Fifty-one previously identified and newly located cultural resources (47 archaeological sites and four isolated finds) were documented. Ms. Hagenmaier served as co-author of the project report and authored the first interim report.
Phase I Archaeological Investigations of US-2, from Prater Road East to the Cut River, Hendricks Township, Mackinac County; Michigan Department of Transportation – Michigan. Principal Investigator (2018). Commonwealth was contracted by the Michigan Department of Transportation to conduct a Phase I archaeological investigation of a proposed realignment of US-2 from its intersection with Prater Road east to the Cut River. No archaeological sites were identified. Ms. Hagenmaier also authored the final report for the project.
I-375 Improvement Project; HNTB Michigan, Inc. – Detroit, Michigan. Principal Investigator (2017-2018). Commonwealth was subcontracted by HNTB, Michigan, Inc. to conduct a land use history and archaeological sensitivity study for the I-375 Improvement Project. This project sought to improve the existing freeway system connecting the downtown commercial district to Interstate 75 via the Jefferson Avenue/I-375 business loop. Ms. Hagenmaier conducted background research for the project, conducted a field examination of the project area, and is the lead author of the final report.
French Paper Company Hydroelectric Dam Relicensing Project; City of Niles – Michigan. Co-Principal Investigator (2017). Ms. Hagenmaier and Dr. Emily Epstein investigated the effects of the relicensing project on 12 previously identified sites located along the St. Joseph River in Niles, Michigan. The purpose of the Phase I investigation was to assess the potential effects of the relicensing on known and previously unidentified sites located adjacent to the ordinary high-water mark of the river. Three previously identified sites (20BE10, 20BE23, and 20BE357) were subjected to testing, and the remaining nine sites were located well above the ordinary high-water mark and not subject to investigation. No new archaeological sites were identified because of the survey. Ms. Hagenmaier served as the lead author of the final report.
AEP Gravel Pit 183kV Integration Phase I survey, Indiana. Co-Principal Investigator (2017). Ms. Hagenmaier also served as lead author of the final report.
Hiawatha National Forest CCR Surveys: Camp Cooks, Eckerman, and Au Train Project Areas; USDA Forest Service – Michigan. Project Archaeologist (2016-2017). Commonwealth surveyed approximately 23,529 acres of land in the Hiawatha National Forest. Sixty-two previously identified and newly located cultural resources (51 archaeological sites and 11 non-designated resources) were documented. Ms. Hagenmaier served as the lead author of the project report and authored the interim report.
Archaeological Monitoring of the Mt. Pleasant Center Property; Michigan. Lead Project Archaeologist (2016). Ms. Hagenmaier served as the lead archaeological monitor for the demolition of the Mt. Pleasant Center in Mt. Pleasant Michigan and authored the final report.
Cultural Resource Surveys of Willow Springs FHI in the Mark Twain National Forest; USDA Forest Service – Missouri. Field Director (2015-2016). Commonwealth surveyed approximately 3,526 acres of land within the Mark Twain National Forest. Ninety-nine previously identified and newly located cultural resources (archaeological sites, historic finds, and isolate finds) were documented. Ms. Hagenmaier also authored the final report.
US-31/M-231, Phase II/III Investigations at 20OT283, 20OT344, and 20OT3, Michigan. Field Director and Lab Assistant (2011-2016). Ms. Hagenmaier worked on the Phase II evaluation and Phase III data recovery excavations at the predominantly Late Prehistoric sites for the US-31/M-231 Holland to Grand Haven Bypass project. After the completion of fieldwork, Ms. Hagenmaier assisted with the preparation of the report, earning status as co-author of the final report. In 2015, Commonwealth received a Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation and a Michigan Historic Preservation Network Government Award for the project
Reconstruction of Pearl Street, Michigan. Project Archaeologist (2015). Ms. Hagenmaier served as an archaeological monitor during the installation of new utility lines (water, sewer, electrical) on Pearl Street, west of the Grand River, near the Gerald R. Ford and Grand Rapids Public Museums. Monitoring was necessary as fill used to flatten the area in historic times may have been acquired from nearby prehistoric mound groups.
Sandpiper Pipeline; Enbridge Energy – Minnesota. Co-Logistical Coordinator (2014). Commonwealth conducted archaeological investigations for the Sandpiper Pipeline Project. Commonwealth was responsible for the archaeological survey of the portion of the pipeline located within the state of Minnesota.
The Proposed Plains Toronto Marine Loading Terminal, Ohio. Field Director (2013). This project required Ms. Hagenmaier to complete a Phase I Archaeology and an above-ground cultural resource survey. She also served as the lead author for final reporting.
Phase I Archaeological Survey of Five Parcels; Department of Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic – Indiana. Field Director (2013). Ms. Hagenmaier conducted all background research and authored the final report.
Red-Flag Reconnaissance, Line 1200B Archaeological, and Above-Ground Resources Literature Search, Michigan. Field Director (2013). The red-flag survey was a limited Phase I survey to investigate the condition of known sites within the project area and to survey areas of high probability. Ms. Hagenmaier also authored the final report.
Ceresco Dam Marshall Response, Michigan. Project Archaeologist (2013-2014). Ms. Hagenmaier served as an archaeological monitor, overseeing the backhoe excavation of the Kalamazoo River for the Ceresco Dam. The work was performed under the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MEDQ) permit no. 13-13-0028-P. The purpose of the project was to lower the elevation of the concrete spillway crest of the dam, thus lowering the elevation of the river, and exposing surfaces and sediments that previously been inundated.
Wabash Valley Power Association 138kV Transmission Line Phase I Archaeological Survey, Indiana. Project Archaeologist (2012). Ms. Hagenmaier conducted the archaeological survey and served as lead author of the final report.
Petersburgh-Hanna/Thompson 345kV Transmission Line Tower Relocation Cultural Resource Investigations; Indiana Power and Light – Indiana. Field Director (2011). Ms. Hagenmaier worked on the Phase I survey of tower relocation sites, access roads, and laydown areas for Sections 2 and 3 of the 69 Expansion Project.
Archaeological Sensitivity Model and Archaeological Investigations of the Back Forty Joint Venture, Back Forty Project Area, Michigan. Field Director (2011). Ms. Hagenmaier worked on these investigations, as well as co-authored the project report.
Phase I Archaeological Survey Dodge Brothers No. 4 State Park, Waterford and West Bloomfield Townships, Michigan. Field Director (2011). Ms. Hagenmaier also co-authored the final report.
Archaeological Sensitivity Study for the Proposed Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit, Michigan. Project Archaeologist (2010). Commonwealth completed an evaluation of downtown Grand Rapids locations relative to the archaeological potential at sites of planned improvements on the local transit line. To complete the work, Ms. Hagenmaier reviewed extensive mapping and archival sources and was the primary author of the report and recommendations.
Cultural Resource Survey: Chadwick 3, Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area; Mark Twain National Forest – Missouri. Field Technician (2010). Ms. Hagenmaier was also listed as a co-author on the project report.
Harrison Street-Marquette Connector, Michigan. Project Archaeologist (2009). Ms. Hagenmaier served as an archaeological monitor during the installation of new water and sewer lines in Bay City, Michigan. A portion of the funds used to pay for the project was procured from federal grants.
ETC Rover Pipeline; Energy Transfer – Michigan. Logistical Coordinator (2014-2016). Conducting archaeological and architectural/history investigations for the Rover Pipeline, Commonwealth was responsible for the architectural and archaeological survey of the portion of the pipeline located within the state of Michigan. In addition to her roles, she was the lead author on project reports.
Enbridge Line 6B, Michigan. Logistical Coordinator and Field Director (2010-2014). Between 2010 and 2013, Commonwealth conducted an archaeological and architectural historical investigation for the replacement Line 6B oil pipeline on behalf of Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership (Enbridge). Commonwealth was responsible for the architectural and archaeological survey of the portion of the pipeline located within the state of Michigan. This portion of the area of potential effect, which includes Segments 2B through 8, measures 225-miles (362 km) long and crosses west to east through southern Michigan. Ms. Hagenmaier also served as the lead author on multiple reports.
Rockies Express Pipeline-East Project; REX-East - Central Illinois. Crew Chief, GPS Technician, and Lab technician (2006-2010). Ms. Hagenmaier worked on Phase I and II, archaeological survey of the project corridor, which extended from the Mississippi River to the Indiana state line. During this time Ms. Hagenmaier oversaw backhoe operations at multiple sites across the state subjected to Phase II investigations. Ms. Hagenmaier also served as a crew chief during the Phase III recovery of site 11ST540, a Middle- to Late Archaic transitional site located in the Illinois River Valley and assisted with both laboratory and lithic analysis of the assembled artifacts.
SELECT PUBLICATIONS
Burns, Samuel R., and Kelly M. Hagenmaier
2022 Archaeological Test Trenching for the Flint Riverfront Park Restoration Project, Genesee County, Michigan. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
Epstein, Ethan A., Kelly M. Hagenmaier, and Brandon M. Gabler
2021 Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Enbridge Great Lakes Tunnel Project. R-1478. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M.
2013 Archaeological and Above-Ground Resources Literature Search and Red-Flag Reconnaissance, Line 1200B, St. Joseph and Branch Counties, Michigan. Report R-1079. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
2020 Interim Report, 2019 Heritage Resource Surveys in the Dukes and Straits Project Areas of the Hiawatha National Forest(Contract No. GS-00F-261DA, Order No. 12569R19F0080). Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
2021 Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Hemlock Park Splash Pad Project, City of Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
2016 Results of 2016 Archaeological Monitoring, Mount Pleasant Center Property, City of Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, Michigan. Report R-1239. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., and Samuel R. Burns
2022 Archaeological Field Survey for the Victory Park Improvements- Phase II Project, Oakland County, Michigan. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Samuel R. Burns, and James G. Parker
2022 Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Lake Erie Metropark Shoreline Restoration Project, Wayne County, Michigan. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M. and Sean B. Dunham
2013 Phase I Archaeological Survey of Five Parcels, Proposed Department of Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, Indiana. Report R-1120. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Emily Mueller Epstein, and Emily Fletcher
2025 2022 Heritage Resource Surveys in the Stutts Project Areas of the Hiawatha National Forest, in Alger and Schoolcraft Counties, Michigan. Report R-1832. Chronicle Heritage/Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Emily Mueller Epstein, and James Montney
2024 2022 Heritage Resource Surveys in the Carp and Whitefish Project Areas of the Hiawatha National Forest, Base and Option 1, in Alger, Chippewa, Delta, and Mackinac Counties, Michigan. Report R-1830. Commonwealth Heritage Group LLC, Dexter, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly Michael J. Hambacher, Mary Jeakle, Carrie Christman, Rhiannon Jones, Robert J. Watson, and Kathryn C. Egan-Bruhy
2016 Cultural Resource Survey: Willow Springs FHI Survey Area, Mark Twain National Forest, Douglas and HowellCounties, Missouri. R-1228. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Michael J. Hambacher, Elaine H. Robinson, Andrew J. Weir, Evelyn M. Tidlow, Martha R. Mock, Mary L. Jeakle, and Danial R. Hayes
2012 Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership Line 6B Phase 2 Replacement Project in Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Ingham, Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair Counties, Michigan.R-1000.02, Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Michael J. Hambacher, and Andrew J. Weir
2012 Phase Ia Archaeological Survey for the Wabash Valley Power Association 138 kvTransmission Line, Allen County, Indiana. Report R-1045.2. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M, Mary L. Jeakle, and Evelyn M. Tidlow
2012 Phase I Archaeological Survey, Dodge Brothers No. 4 State Park, Waterford and West Bloomfield Townships, Oakland County, Michigan. Report R-0937. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Elaine H. Robinson, and Christopher T. Espenshade
2014 Phase I Archaeological and Above Ground Cultural Resources Survey for the Proposed Plains Toronto Marine Loading Terminal Project, Toronto, Ohio. Report R-1138. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hagenmaier, Kelly M., Elaine H. Robinson, Matthew C. Warwick, Michael J. Hambacher, Christopher T. Espenshade, Scott E. Slagor, Grant Day, Mary Jeakle, and James B. Montney
2015 Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Rover Pipeline Project in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Livingston, Shiawassee, Genesee, Oakland, Lapeer, Macomb, and St. Clair Counties, Michigan. R-1156. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hambacher, Michael J., Kelly Hagenmaier, Kathryn E. Parker, Kathryn C. Egan-Bruhy, Terrance J. Martin, Randall Schaetzl, J. Ladwig, L. Scott Cummings, M. Malainey, Christopher T. Espenshade, and T. Figol
2016 Phase II and Phase III Archaeological Investigations at 20OT344, 20OT283, and 20OT3 for the US-31/M-231 Holland to Grand Haven Bypass Project, Ottawa County, Michigan. R-0960. Report Prepared for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Lansing. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Hambacher, Michael J., Charles R. Moffat, K. C. Egan-Bruhy, Kira E. Kaufmann, Kelly Hagenmaier, Kathy A. Guidi, Danial B. Goatley, Terrance Martin, K. Kolb., and G. W. Monaghan
2010 Chapter 2: Phase III Archaeological Data Recovery at Site 11ST540 for the Rockies Express Pipeline-East (REX East) Project, Scott County, Illinois. Report R-0789. Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc., Jackson, Michigan.
Posin, Sarah L., and Kelly M. Hagenmaier
2024 Fall 2023 Heritage Resource Surveys for the Mio and Huron Shores Ranger Districts of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Crawford, Oscoda, and Iosco Counties, Michigan. Commonwealth Heritage Group, Dexter, Michigan.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
- Ohio Department of Transportation, Section 106 Training, 2013
- American Red Cross First Aid/AED/Adult CPR Certification, 2016, 2019
- OSHA-approved 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training, 2016
- 8 Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Awards and Honors
2003–2004 T. A. Advisor, Anthropology Department, Western Michigan University.
2002–2004 Teaching Assistantship, Anthropology Department, Western Michigan University, (ANT 210, “Introduction to Archaeology,” under Dr. Allen Zagarell).