Indiana Archaeology Month Will 'Kickoff' September 1

Throughout September, Hoosiers are invited to meet archaeologists to learn more about Indiana’s past.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - September is just a couple days away, and so is the start of the Indiana Archaeology Month Kickoff. This year is the 25th anniversary of a statewide celebration of archaeology in Indiana.

From 1996 to 2001, Hoosiers celebrated Indiana Archaeology Week. Then in 2002, the celebrations expended to be a month-long.

Governor Eric Holcomb has declared September 1 Indiana Archaeology Month Kickoff Day.

Throughout September, Hoosiers are invited to meet archaeologists to learn more 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 12, there will be an event at Thiebaud Farmstead in Vevay from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Visitors will get to spend the day learning all about the archaeology at the historic Thiebaud Farmstead. To make it even better, this event is free to all who attend.

Additionally, there will be 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."