On its 112th birthday, Antiquities Act faces threats

Happy birthday to the Antiquities Act, which turns 112 today. What an illustrious history it has, and what amazing gifts it has given to the American people.

What does the Antiquities Act do, and why is it important to you?

First, the act made it illegal to destroy or remove historic or prehistoric articles from public lands. Section II of the act says: “That the President of the United States is hereby authorized, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated...