State Archaeologist of Iowa logo
The mission of the Office of the State Archaeologist is to develop, disseminate, and preserve knowledge of Iowa's human past through Midwestern and Plains archaeological research, scientific discovery, public stewardship, service, and education.
An aerial photo of a large excavation block with archaeological tools scattered about

31,300 +

archaeological sites as of FY22

ancient pottery vessels displayed on a shelf

300 +

infrastructure projects
completed annually

A man in a neon yellow shirt digging a hole in a field

4 Million +

Objects in Curation

News

One student crouched in an excavation unit, one laying on his stomach next to the unit

Updates from the 2023 Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Archaeological Field School

Tuesday, August 29, 2023
John Doershuk, Ph.D., RPA
University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist
Native American burial mounds in Guthrie County, Iowa

Bioarchaeology Program Iowa Site Steward Recognition 2020-2022

Monday, July 17, 2023
Lara Noldner, M.S., Ph.D., RPA
Elizabeth Reetz and Cherie Haury-Artz holding a plaque with a certificate that recognizes the award.

Office of the State Archaeologist earns national recognition for outreach

Thursday, April 6, 2023
University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist
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Events

"Protecting Cultural Heritage During Armed Conflict", Patty Gerstenblith, Distinguished Research Professor and Director of the Center for Art, Museum and Cultural Heritage Law at DePaul University College of Law promotional image

"Protecting Cultural Heritage During Armed Conflict", Patty Gerstenblith, Distinguished Research Professor and Director of the Center for Art, Museum and Cultural Heritage Law at DePaul University College of Law

Monday, October 23, 2023 5:30pm
Art Building West
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Support the OSA

There are many ways to show your support for the OSA and its nationally-recognized outreach initiatives.

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