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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

Education and Interpretation

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

31,700 +

archaeological sites as of FY23

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

photo collage

OSA Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report

Friday, November 3, 2023
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

Events

Native American Uses for Plants promotional image

Native American Uses for Plants

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 6:30pm
Swisher Public Library
Join Office of the State Archaeologist's Cherie Haury-Artz at the Swisher Public Library for an educational program, Native American Uses for Plants.
Ice Age Iowa: Whitewater Canyon Guided Hike promotional image

Ice Age Iowa: Whitewater Canyon Guided Hike

Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:00pm
Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area
Join Cherie Haury-Artz from the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist at Whitewater Canyon on a guided hike. Learn what Iowa was like over 13,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age and how people adapted to the conditions. Registration Required.
Iowa Archeological Society Fall Meeting 2024 promotional image

Iowa Archeological Society Fall Meeting 2024

Saturday, October 26, 2024 8:00am to 3:00pm
Polk City City Hall Community Room
Join several OSA staff members for presentations on archaeology and archaeological research in Iowa at the 2024 Fall Meeting of the Iowa Archeological Society (IAS). Everyone is welcome to join the IAS and attend the meeting! The Fall Meeting is being held in Polk City in partnership with the Big Creek Historical Society.
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Support the OSA

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