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.
Between the 1920s and the early 1960s, several of Indiana’s counties were surveyed, 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.” We are proud that the DNR was there at the beginning of the State Archaeological Survey, and that today the DHPA continues to lead the statewide efforts for protecting and preserving Indiana’s Native American and Euroamerican heritage.
Find out more details regarding the poster design at on.IN.gov/archaeologymonth.
The DHPA thanks the following for permission for use of images in the poster design: Road- courtesy of the Indiana Album: Harley Sheets Collection; Frances Martin at the Yankeetown site- Photographic Image N3383 courtesy of the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Trustees of Indiana University; all others courtesy of Indiana State Archives, Indiana Archives, and Records Administration.
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. to 4 p.m., M-F. When attending Archaeology Month events, DHPA staff will also bring posters to distribute. Requests for folded posters (limit of 5 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. As we get closer to September, additional events will be added.
