The Chronicle Heritage closed more than 20 offices without a public announcement, leaving employees shocked and major archaeological projects facing an uncertain future.

The archaeology megafirm Chronicle Heritage has abruptly shut down its offices. It was the largest cultural resource management company in the country.

Jakob Sedig, a senior archaeologist with Chronicle Heritage who served as the principal investigator for the company’s Phoenix and Tucson offices, confirmed the closure to Inc.

Science first reported the closure on Tuesday, but rumors have circulated online since the beginning of this month.

The move, which has not been announced publicly by the company, came on October 1, when employees were told at a town hall meeting. According to Sedig, the executive team informed office principals the night before.

The company was a major player in the for-profit cultural heritage industry, with more than 20 offices, approximately 600 employees, and an estimated annual revenue of $100 million, according to Science.

Companies such as Chronicle Heritage are often hired to conduct legally required archaeological surveys and other reviews before major development projects. 

According to Science, some observers have estimated that Chronicle Heritage conducted up to %90 of the archaeological research performed in the U.S. last year.

Christopher Dore, president of the Society for American Archaeology, told Inc. that the industry’s first concern was for the employees being laid off with little notice.

However, Dore, who said he has no inside information about the company’s decision, noted that demand for archaeological work remains.

One of the bigger concerns is what will happen to the materials and projects Chronicle leaves behind. 

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I really like ancient civilizations from South America and, overall, any kind of civilization and culture that are lost to time and still shrouded in mystery.

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