Archaeology in Your Community

Amy L. Johnson,Research Archaeologist and

Archaeology Outreach Coordinator

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology

(DHPA)

What we’ll cover today:

Archaeology- myths and reality.

What’s happening in Indiana in terms of archaeology today.

How you, the public, can become involved.

The office of the Indiana State Archaeologist, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (part of Dept. of Natural Resources) - how we serve the public and protect archaeological resources for the future.

Myths and Reality

Is it about digging up dinosaurs ?

Are there really sites in Indiana, and are they important ?

Do archaeologists get to keep what they find?

Are sites protected in Indiana ?

Some QUESTIONS to address first off ~

Terms

ArchaeologyArchaeology is the careful, systematic recovery of information related to our past.

Archaeological sitesArchaeological sites can be things like :

Historic cabin sitesNative American earthworksCanal sitesCemeteries Shipwrecks and much more !

Archaeology in Indiana

Archaeology does happen in our state, and archaeological projects are being conducted probably more often than you think.

Recorded archaeological investigations have been taking place in our state for over 170 years !

The science is vibrant, and so much remains to be learned today about the previous (and current) cultures of Indiana.

Archaeology is conducted in various settings: academic, government, and cultural resources management, for example.

A few stats and facts !

Indiana has over 49,000 recorded archaeological sites, and only a fraction of the state has been surveyed by professional archaeologists.

The prehistory of Indiana ranges from ca. 10,000 B.C. to approximately 1650 A.D.

Most of the major universities have active archaeology programs.

Archaeologists from private archaeological companies, governmental agencies, universities, and more do work in our state.

Examples of Projects and Research

Excavations

Clark County

Harrison County

Excavations continued

• Posey County

Survey

Greene County in southwestern Indiana

Research and New Techniques

Non-invasive techniques

Archaeological research

How Can You Become Involved in Archaeology?

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VOLUNTEER or VISIT

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Evansville

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

Mounds State Park,

Anderson

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University, Bloomington

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

Indianapolis

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

River Road Park (Hamilton Co. Parks and Recreation Department), Carmel

Strawtown Koteewi Park

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

Fort Ouiatenon, Lafayette

Tippecanoe County Historical Association

Attend

Conferences and Meetings such as:

Midwest Archaeological Conference

Cornelius O’Brien Conference

Society for American Archaeology Conference

Learn More ~ Keep Up to Date

Share What You Know with others

Join an Avocational Archaeology Group

These groups advocate wise collecting of artifacts and the proper recording of sites

They share information

Working with archaeologists is important

Existing Programs

Midwest Archeological Center / Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore Archeology Program

Existing Programs

Hoosier National Forest , Passport in Time (USDA Forest Service)

Existing Programs

Project Archaeology

Educational materials,

workshops,

and continuing professional development

Indiana Archaeology Month

Every September ! Events held around the

state. Participate, learn, and

explore.

www.IN.gov/dnr/historic/archeomonth.html

Archaeology Month Activities

More Archaeology Month Activities

Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA)

Office of the Indiana State Archaeologist, currently 5 archaeological staff members

Lead archaeological agency in the state

Central repository of archaeological records

Many duties and services

DHPA

Reviews of Projects and Protection of Resources

Various federal and state laws protect cultural resources in Indiana.

Our staff reviews over 3,000 projects a year to determine their potential impact to archaeological resources.

In addition, we review development plans for projects which may impact cemeteries.

DHPA Investigations

Staff investigate :

Accidental discoveries of sites

Looting or damage of sites

DHPA

Research and Fieldwork

DHPA

Research and Fieldwork

DHPA

Cooperative projects

Grant funds

Grant funds are available for certain types of archaeological field projects, as well as archaeological public education.

These funds are from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, administered by the DHPA.

DHPA

Database and Records Repository

DHPA

Services for the public

Archaeology News

DHPA

Educational Outreach & Indiana Archaeology Month

Experience Indiana Archaeology

Learn more about Indiana’s rich and varied cultures.

Contribute to the science of archaeology.

Learn more about our irreplaceable archaeological sites.

Participation is for the young, and young at heart.

Indiana State Library

Indiana Historical Bureau

Natural Resources Conservation Service

DNR- Division of Reclamation, Indiana State Museum, Public Information and Education

Mathers Museum of World Cultures, I.U.

Hoosier National Forest

National Park Service & Midwest Archeological Center

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Indiana University

Archaeological Resources Management Service

Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, I.U.

IPFW Archaeological Survey

Hamilton County Parks

Tippecanoe County Historical Association

Martin University

Thank you to the following:

Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA)

402 W. Washington St., Room W274

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

317/232-1646

www.IN.gov/dnr/historic