DHPA's Archaeology Section coordinates and supports several educational programs and outreach initiatives focusing on archaeology for both the public and professionals. Several examples are included below:
Highlighting Hoosier Archaeological Sites - We are featuring at least one archaeological site from each of Indiana’s 92 counties and will also highlight various archaeology case studies. Archaeologists from many Indiana state agencies and state-sponsored institutions routinely perform projects throughout the state. Read more about them in this interactive StoryMap.
Indiana Archaeology Month - Public education about Indiana’s diversity of past cultures and heritage, and the science of archaeology, is the focus for the month of September. Each year, free information and commemorative posters are available.
Publications - The archaeology staff produces a number of archaeological education materials, including pamphlets and handouts, Indiana’s professional periodic archaeology journal (Indiana Archaeology), reading lists, information on the Indiana archaeology law, and more.
Stewardship and Training - Our staff provides training sessions for land management and law enforcement personnel, and stewardship courses for the interested public and avocational archaeologists for learning about the state’s archaeological heritage. If your organization would like more information on stewardship training, contact the DHPA via email or at 317-232-1646.
Archaeology in your Community - There are many ways that people can use what is learned through archaeology. Archaeology can be an economic tool to foster heritage tourism of communities by creating, for example, parks geared towards 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 a great public demand for information about archaeology in Indiana, and many of our programs have been developed to meet those needs.
Presentations - Our archaeology staff frequently gives presentations to the public -- from school age classrooms to senior citizen groups. The archaeology staff is pleased to give presentations on archaeological topics such as: prehistoric ceramics, historic archaeological artifacts, prehistoric and historic peoples and lifeways, archaeological methods and techniques, and more. We can also provide displays for use regarding archaeology in our state. Contact the DHPA via email or at 317-232-1646 to have our office schedule an archaeologist to talk to your group.
Share? - Want to share what you know about archaeological site locations and artifacts with our professionals? Contact the DHPA Archaeological Section at 317-232-1646. The more we know about sites, the more we are able to protect them!