Indiana Archaeology Month Will 'Kickoff' September 1

Preservation and archaeology events in Lawrenceburg and Vevay will be available during Indiana Archaeology Month.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - We are just days away from the Indiana Archaeology Month Kickoff Day to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a statewide celebration of archaeology in Indiana.

From 1996 to 2001, Hoosiers celebrated Indiana Archaeology Week. Starting in 2002, the celebrations expanded to celebrate Indiana Archaeology Month.

Governor Eric Holcomb has declared September 1 Indiana Archaeology Month Kickoff Day to start the month-long celebration. 

Throughout September, Hoosier history buffs are invited to meet archaeologists and learn about Indiana's past. 

Events for all ages will be offered by universities, museums, organizations, and individuals across the state, including some locally. 

On September 2, an Archaeological Excavation event will be available in Lawrenceburg at The Guard Excavation Site at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Visitors will be able to have a hands-on experience at the field excavation. This event will also include a site tour and guided excavations with an Archaeological Research institute archaeologist. There is a fee of $15 for adults; $10 for students and children under 10 are free.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 12, spend the day learning about archaeology at the historic Thiebaud Farmstead in Vevay. This is a free event. 

Additionally, there are virtual events that are available throughout the month. 

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) coordinates the activities. Find more information and a full list of activities at on.IN.gov/archaeologymonth. 

"Archaeology tells us not only about the past but also sheds light about ourselves today and our future," said Dan Bortner, DNR director and State Historic Preservation Officer. "Archaeology Month provides a perfect way for Hoosiers to find out how, with programs that are not only educational and informative but also fun."

The 2020 commemorative poster will feature historic Indiana schoolhouse sites, which highlights DHPA’s role in celebrating archaeology through this annual event. The poster will be printed on a full page of the September/October issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine and can be found at the Archaeology Month website. 

“Archaeological investigation at such types of sites can teach us much about the lives of the students and teachers who were part of these important Hoosier places,” said State Archaeologist Amy Johnson.

Since the early 1800s, archaeologists have recorded over 71,000 sites across Indiana. These sites "help shape public understanding of pre-contact and historic people who also called the land we now call Indiana home."