INDIANA – September is the 29th anniversary of a statewide celebration of archaeology in Indiana. The DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) coordinates Indiana Archaeology Month to encourage learning about Indiana archaeology, archaeological sites, and the laws that protect them.
The 2024 poster theme commemorates the State Archaeological Survey. In the spring of 1920, the National Research Council Chairman of the Committee on State Archaeological Surveys came to Indianapolis with the intent of starting what would become Indiana’s archaeological survey. Administering and organizing the early Indiana surveys fell to the State Department of Conservation (now known as the DNR), which then had a Division of Geology and the Indiana Historical Commission.
Several of Indiana’s counties were surveyed between the 1920s and the early 1960s, with reports published by the Indiana Historical Bureau. This is the 100th anniversary of the first published survey reports (Lawrence and Washington counties). Recognizing the looming threats to Indigenous and Euroamerican heritage from amateur archaeology excavations, newly proposed highways, reservoirs, and other infrastructure projects, these early surveyors were “on the road to preservation.”
Officials are proud that the DNR was present at the beginning of the State Archaeological Survey. Today, the DHPA continues to lead statewide efforts to protect and preserve Indiana’s Native American and Euroamerican heritage.
Find out more details regarding the poster design at on.IN.gov/archaeologymonth.
Free posters (folded and unfolded) are available to pick up in person at the DNR Central Office lobby in the Indiana Government Center South complex in Indianapolis from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. DHPA staff will also bring posters to distribute when attending Archaeology Month events. Requests for folded posters (a limit of five per person) to be mailed may be sent to dhpaconnect@dnr.IN.gov.
Also, check the webpage to read about the archaeology events that will be held.
