The Office of the State Archaeologist

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.

FAQ & Common Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some of the Office of the State Archaeologist's most common inquiries.

Artifact Identification

Assistance, guidance, and resources regarding the identification of archaeological artifacts from Iowa.

A student takes notes on an old foundation in the woods

OSA offers statewide public programs, resources, and opportunities for people of all ages to understand and appreciate Iowa’s archaeological heritage and preserve it for the future. We also offer consultation services for exhibits, interpretive media, curricula, and program development.

photo of a student taking notes with a tray of artifacts sorted in front of her

Volunteer, Intern, Learn

Learn about volunteer, internship, or student research opportunities at the OSA.

An aerial photo of a large excavation block with archaeological tools scattered about

32,000 +

archaeological sites as of FY24

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

2026 Society for American Archaeology’s Outstanding Public Archaeology Initiative Award Recipient

Thursday, February 12, 2026

University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist

Megaphone and speech bubble that says "We're Hiring!" against a gold background

[CLOSED] OSA is Hiring: Research Archaeologist

Thursday, January 23, 2025

A tribute to Lance Foster of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist

Events

Fort Madison and the War of 1812 with State Archaeologist John Doershuk

Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Fort Madison Riverfront Pavilion

Join us for a presentation that explores Iowa’s only documented War of 1812 site. This talk will feature research and findings from the Office of the State Archaeologist.

OSA Brown Bag | A Forgotten Excavation: Seeberger Cave

Monday, April 6, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Clinton Street Building

Join Bill Green, OSA Adjunct Research Associate and former Iowa State Archaeologist, as he presents an OSA Brown Bag talk on excavations at Seeberger Cave. This program is free and open to the public. It will also be viewable via Zoom.

This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Iowa City

Monday, April 6, 2026 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

Join University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist adjunct research associate and former Iowa State Archaeologist, William Green, for a book discussion and meet the author event for his new title, This is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map. He will be joined in conversation by Alan Kelley of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

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Support the OSA

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

Learn More

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Office of the State Archaeologist