Archaeology in Your

Community

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

(DHPA)

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 the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources) --how we serve the public and protect archaeological resources for the future.

What is covered in this presentation ~

Myths and Reality

Is it about digging up dinosaurs? No-- that is paleontology.Are there really sites in Indiana, and are they important ? Absolutely--some are so unique they are found no where else in the world.Do archaeologists get to keep what they find? Absolutely not--the information is able to be shared by all by being curated at qualified facilities.Are sites protected in Indiana? Yes, we have a very strong archaeology law.

Some QUESTIONS about archaeology 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

What follows is a very small sampling of

archaeological projects and the types of research that have been going on in

Indiana.

Excavations Clark County–

Excavations at a state park property.

Harrison County-- major, large scale excavations that resulted in the recovery of literally millions of artifacts.

Excavations continued

• Posey County--

Many seasons of fieldwork have been conducted at this site to record information before it is lost to erosion and other threats.

Survey

Greene County–the Natural Resources Conservation Service conducted archaeological survey in areas of this southwestern Indiana county.

Research and New Techniques

Non-invasive techniques– they are becoming more widely used in archaeology.

Archaeological research-- this comes in many forms, and touches on many topics and cultures.

How Can You Become Involved in Indiana Archaeology?

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VOLUNTEER or VISIT– take advantage of the many opportunities which are available around the state each year.

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

Visiting Indiana and Sharing Resources

Sites like Angel Mounds, Mounds State Park, and other historic properties contribute to tourist visitation of areas of our state and to their economy and development.

Recreational and educational opportunities attract visitors to these resources, providing user participation, use, and preservation of these properties.

These resources provide information about our shared heritage—a bond that ties people and communities together.

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

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

Tours of the laboratory may be arranged. Exhibits about archaeology and Native

Americans are on display.

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

Indianapolis

Portions of the historic Gronauer Lock (from the Wabash & Erie Canal) being exposed prior to excavations. Some

of this lock can be seen in the Museum, as well as other

archaeological displays and artifacts.

How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology?

VISIT

River Road Park (Hamilton Co.

Parks and Recreation Department),

Carmel

This park has a playground that has archaeology as its main inspiration. The park also has a newly developed interpretive center where the public can learn about the rich Native American heritage of the area.

Attend

Conferences–such as the Midwest Archaeological Conference, Cornelius O’Brien-Indiana Main Street Conference, and more.

Conferences like these provide opportunities for learning and sharing.

Learn More ~ Keep Up to Date

Ask us about our many informational materials which are available.

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.

Contact our office to find out how to get in touch with one of the groups.

Existing Programs ~ take part

Midwest Archeological Center / Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore Archeology Program

Existing Programs ~ take part

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

Existing Programs ~ take part

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

Several years ago, the DHPA partnered with the American Battlefield Protection Program of the National Park Service to work on a project to

record Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites in our state.

DHPA

Cooperative projects–we have had archaeology- related cooperative projects with agencies such as the Indiana Historical Bureau and others.

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

Our office is the central

archaeological records repository

for Indiana.

DHPA

Services for the public

Archaeology News- sign up for our monthly email newsletter !

We have publications available for the public to learn about our office.

DHPA

Educational Outreach & Indiana Archaeology Month

Efforts such as these help us reach

thousands of people each year regarding

archaeology

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 Historical Bureau

Natural Resources Conservation Service

DNR- Divisions of Reclamation, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Public Information and Education

Mathers Museum of World Cultures, I.U.

Hoosier National Forest and USDA Forest Service

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

Martin University

Thank you to the following:

Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA)

402 W. Washington St., Room W274Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

317/232-1646

www.IN.gov/dnr/historic

PowerPoint presentation compiled by Amy Johnson, Research Archaeologist and Archaeology Outreach Coordinator