September Is Indiana Archaeology Month

September will be the 29^th anniversary of a statewide celebration of archaeology in Indiana. DNR’s DHPA coordinates the event to encourage learning about Indiana archaeology, archaeological sites in the state, and the laws that protect them. Universities, museums, organizations, and individuals around the state host a variety of archaeology programs and activities.

The poster theme this year 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 these 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. Between the 1920s and the early 1960s, several of Indiana’s counties were surveyed, with reports published by the Indiana Historical Bureau. 2024 marks the 100^th 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.”

We are proud that the DNR was there at the beginning of the State Archaeological Survey, and that DHPA continues to lead the statewide efforts for protecting and preserving Indiana’s Native American and Euroamerican heritage.

Free posters (folded and unfolded) will be available to pick up in person at the DNR Central Office lobby in the Indiana Government Center South complex in Indianapolis. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., M-F. When attending Archaeology Month events, DHPA staff will also bring posters to distribute. Requests for folded posters (limit of five per person) to be mailed may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Find out about Archaeology Month events that will take place, and more details regarding the poster design, at on.IN.gov/archaeologymonth.