Educational Materials
DHPA Archaeology staff produce educational materials, pamphlets and handouts, Indiana’s professional periodic archaeology journal (Indiana Archaeology), reading lists, information about Indiana archaeology law, and more. Contact archaeology staff to obtain information for your archaeology education event at DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov or 317-232-1646.
Stewardship, Presentations, and Training
DHPA Archaeology staff provide training sessions for land management and law enforcement personnel, and stewardship courses for the interested public and avocational archaeologists to learn about the State’s archaeological heritage.
Staff also frequently give presentations to the public – from elementary classrooms to senior citizens groups – and are pleased to present on archaeological topics including archaeological artifacts, precontact and historic peoples and lifeways, archaeological methods, and techniques. DHPA can also provide displays regarding archaeology in our state.
If your organization would like more information on stewardship training, presentations, or displays, contact the DHPA at DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov or 317-232-1646.
Archaeology in Your Community
There are many ways people can use what is learned through archaeology. It can be an economic tool to foster heritage tourism of communities by creating, for example, parks geared toward archaeological resources. Additionally, heritage tours can incorporate archaeological sites to visit, as well as museums housing exhibits about past cultures and what has been learned through archaeology. The archaeology staff of our office is always available to advise and assist in the activities of local historical groups, private individuals, and organizations. There is great public demand for information about archaeology in Indiana, and many of our programs have been developed to meet those needs. Indiana’s state plan also provides information regarding the benefits of becoming involved in and promoting the benefits of historic preservation and archaeology.
If you want to share what you know about archaeological site locations and artifacts with our office, contact DHPA at 317-232-1646. The more we know about sites, the more we are able to protect them!
Dr. Henry, Professional Archaeologist
Dr. Henry, Professional Archaeologist (get it, “DHPA”) is our office’s archaeology mascot. His career has fallen a bit “flat” lately, so he came to us for some excitement! Dr. Henry is available to come and visit relevant organizations to learn more about archaeological and historical resources in the state. If you would like him to visit you, contact DHPAConnect@dnr.IN.gov. When Dr. Henry visits, we ask that his hosts provide us with photographs and short blurbs regarding his adventures that we can share on our Facebook page. Everyone can follow Dr. Henry’s adventures (#drhenrydhpa) to see what kinds of interesting Hoosier places he gets to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many archaeological sites have been recorded in Indiana?
More than 75,000 sites have been recorded, and this number grows continually as archaeologists investigate and document sites through research and fieldwork.
- Are there shipwrecks in Indiana?
Yes, there are shipwrecks in Indiana waters, primarily in Lake Michigan. The J.D. Marshall Nature Preserve was Indiana’s first underwater nature preserve, and in 2022, the Muskegon Nature Preserve was dedicated as the state’s second underwater nature preserve.
- I collect archaeological artifacts such as arrowheads. Are there rules regarding this in Indiana?
Yes. Read the Responsible Artifact Collecting document. It is not illegal to collect artifacts from the surface of sites (except on federal and state property) as long as the collector has the landowner’s permission to be on the property to collect artifacts. Artifacts belong to the landowner unless they choose to give them to someone else.
- If ground disturbance is happening, and human remains are accidentally found, what should I do?
Our archaeology law question and answer sheet provides information on these types of discoveries in Indiana. Any discovery of human remains or possible human remains should be left undisturbed and reported to the County Coroner, DNR Division of Law Enforcement, and the DHPA as soon as possible.