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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

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

book cover art

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
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Events

This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | La Crosse, WI promotional image

This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | La Crosse, WI

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Pearl Street 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. Joining him in conversation will be Heather Walder, Assistant Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at UW-La Crosse. It is free and open to the public.
This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Austin, MN promotional image

This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Austin, MN

Thursday, October 8, 2026 12:00pm
Mower County Historical Society – Pioneer Building
The Mower County Historical Society's Lunchbox History presents a special BONUS Lunchbox History presentation – The 1837 Ioway Map with historian and author William Green. Mr. Green will discuss his book, This is the Route of My Forefathers.

This is a FREE Event. Doors open at 11:30am with the speaker stating promptly at 12:00 Noon.

This event is free and open to the public.
This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Sioux City promotional image

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

Sunday, October 11, 2026 12:00pm to 3:30pm
Sioux City Public Museum
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 at the Sioux City Public Museum as part of their Fall Fest Celebration on Sunday, October 11, starting at 2pm. This event is free and open to the public.
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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