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Archaeology in Your Community

Archaeology in Your Community. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA). What is covered in this presentation ~. Archaeology--myths and reality. What’s happening in Indiana in terms of archaeology today.

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Archaeology in Your Community

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  1. Archaeology in Your Community Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA)

  2. What is covered in this presentation ~ • Archaeology--myths and reality. • What’s happening in Indiana in terms of archaeology today. • How you, the public, can become involved. • The office of the Indiana State Archaeologist, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (part of the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources) --how we serve the public and protect archaeological resources for the future.

  3. Myths and Reality • Is it about digging up dinosaurs? No-- that is paleontology. • Are there really sites in Indiana, and are they important ? Absolutely--some are so unique they are found no where else in the world. • Do archaeologists get to keep what they find? Absolutely not--the information is able to be shared by all by being curated at qualified facilities. • Are sites protected in Indiana? Yes, we have a very strong archaeology law. Some QUESTIONS about archaeology to address first off ~

  4. Terms • Archaeology is the careful, systematic recovery of information related to our past. • Archaeological sites can be things like: Historic cabin sites Native American earthworks Canal sites Cemeteries Shipwrecks and much more!

  5. Archaeology in Indiana • Archaeology does happen in our state, and archaeological projects are being conducted probably more often than you think. • Recorded archaeological investigations have been taking place in our state for over 170 years! • The science is vibrant, and so much remains to be learned today about the previous (and current) cultures of Indiana. • Archaeology is conducted in various settings: academic, government, and cultural resources management, for example.

  6. A few stats and facts ! • Indiana has over 49,000 recorded archaeological sites, and only a fraction of the state has been surveyed by professional archaeologists. • The prehistory of Indiana ranges from ca. 10,000 B.C. to approximately 1650 A.D. • Most of the major universities have active archaeology programs. • Archaeologists from private archaeological companies, governmental agencies, universities, and more do work in our state.

  7. Examples of Projects and Research What follows is a very small sampling of archaeological projects and the types of research that have been going on in Indiana.

  8. Excavations • Clark County– Excavations at a state park property. • Harrison County-- major, large scale excavations that resulted in the recovery of literally millions of artifacts.

  9. Excavations continued • PoseyCounty-- • Many seasons of fieldwork have been conducted at this site to record information before it is lost to erosion and other threats.

  10. Survey • Greene County–the Natural Resources Conservation Service conducted archaeological survey in areas of this southwestern Indiana county.

  11. Research and New Techniques • Non-invasive techniques– they are becoming more widely used in archaeology. • Archaeological research-- this comes in many forms, and touches on many topics and cultures.

  12. How Can You Become Involved in Indiana Archaeology?

  13. How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology? • VOLUNTEER or VISIT– take advantage of the many opportunities which are available around the state each year.

  14. How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology? • VISIT Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Evansville

  15. How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology? • VISIT Mounds State Park, Anderson

  16. Visiting Indiana and SharingResources • Sites like Angel Mounds, Mounds State Park, and other historic properties contribute to tourist visitation of areas of our state and to their economy and development. • Recreational and educational opportunities attract visitors to these resources, providing user participation, use, and preservation of these properties. • These resources provide information about our shared heritage—a bond that ties people and communities together.

  17. How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology? • VISIT Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University, Bloomington Tours of the laboratory may be arranged. Exhibits about archaeology and Native Americans are on display.

  18. How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology? • VISIT Portions of the historic Gronauer Lock (from the Wabash & Erie Canal) being exposed prior to excavations. Some of this lock can be seen in the Museum, as well as other archaeological displays and artifacts. Indianapolis

  19. How Can You Become Involved In Archaeology? • VISIT River Road Park (Hamilton Co. Parks and Recreation Department), Carmel This park has a playground that has archaeology as its main inspiration. The park also has a newly developed interpretive center where the public can learn about the rich Native American heritage of the area.

  20. Attend • Conferences–such as the Midwest Archaeological Conference, Cornelius O’Brien-Indiana Main Street Conference, and more. Conferences like these provide opportunities for learning and sharing.

  21. Learn More ~ Keep Up to Date Ask us about our many informational materials which are available.

  22. Share What You Know with others

  23. Join an Avocational Archaeology Group • These groups advocate wise collecting of artifacts and the proper recording of sites. • They share information. • Working with archaeologists is important. • Contact our office to find out how to get in touch with one of the groups.

  24. Existing Programs ~ take part • Midwest Archeological Center / Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore Archeology Program

  25. Existing Programs ~ take part • Hoosier National Forest, Passport in Time (USDA Forest Service)

  26. Existing Programs ~ take part Project Archaeology Educational materials, workshops, and continuing professional development

  27. Indiana Archaeology Month • Every September ! • Events held around the state. • Participate, learn, and explore. www.IN.gov/dnr/historic/archeomonth.html

  28. Archaeology Month Activities

  29. More Archaeology Month Activities

  30. Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) • Office of the Indiana State Archaeologist, currently 5 archaeological staff members. • Lead archaeological agency in the state. • Central repository of archaeological records. • Many duties and services.

  31. DHPA • Reviews of Projects and Protection of Resources Various federal and state laws protect cultural resources in Indiana. Our staff reviews over 3,000 projects a year to determine their potential impact to archaeological resources. In addition, we review development plans for projects which may impact cemeteries.

  32. DHPA • Investigations Staff investigate: Accidental discoveries of sites. Looting or damage of sites.

  33. DHPA • Research and Fieldwork

  34. DHPA • Research and Fieldwork Several years ago, the DHPA partnered with the American Battlefield Protection Program of the National Park Service to work on a project to record Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites in our state.

  35. DHPA • Cooperative projects–we have had archaeology- related cooperative projects with agencies such as the Indiana Historical Bureau and others.

  36. Grant funds • Grant funds are available for certain types of archaeological field projects, as well as archaeological public education. • These funds are from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, administered by the DHPA.

  37. DHPA • Database and Records Repository Our office is the central archaeological records repository for Indiana.

  38. DHPA • Services for the public We have publications available for the public to learn about our office. Archaeology News- sign up for our monthly email newsletter !

  39. DHPA • Educational Outreach & Indiana Archaeology Month Efforts such as these help us reach thousands of people each year regarding archaeology

  40. Experience Indiana Archaeology • Learn more about Indiana’s rich and varied cultures. • Contribute to the science of archaeology. • Learn more about our irreplaceable archaeological sites. • Participation is for the young, and young at heart.

  41. Thank you to the following: • Indiana Historical Bureau • Natural Resources Conservation Service • DNR- Divisions of Reclamation, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Public Information and Education • Mathers Museum of World Cultures, I.U. • Hoosier National Forest and USDA Forest Service • National Park Service & Midwest Archeological Center • Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore • Indiana University • Archaeological Resources Management Service • Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, I.U. • IPFW Archaeological Survey • Hamilton County Parks • Martin University

  42. Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) 402 W. Washington St., Room W274 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739 317/232-1646 www.IN.gov/dnr/historic PowerPoint presentation compiled by Amy Johnson, Research Archaeologist and Archaeology Outreach Coordinator

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