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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.
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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

Unearth a Story: Ice Age Iowa at Waukee Public Library promotional image

Unearth a Story: Ice Age Iowa at Waukee Public Library

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 6:00pm
Waukee Public Library
Cherie Haury-Artz from the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist will present on Ice Age Iowa for adults (ages 18+) at the Waukee Public Library as part of their Unearth a Story summer reading program.
Ancient Technology in Iowa: How Did They Do That? promotional image

Ancient Technology in Iowa: How Did They Do That?

Saturday, July 11, 2026 10:00am to 11:00am
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
Cherie Haury-Artz from the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist will present on Ice Age Iowa for adults (ages 18+) at the Waukee Public Library as part of their Unearth a Story summer reading program.
Archaeology at Iowa Project AWARE: Fort Atkinson State Preserve promotional image

Archaeology at Iowa Project AWARE: Fort Atkinson State Preserve

Monday, July 13, 2026 7:30pm
Gouldsburg Park
On Monday, July 13 at 7:30pm, Kathy Gourley will present Fort Atkinson State Preserve: An 1840s Military Post in the Vicinity of the Turkey River at Gouldsburg County Park in Hawkeye.
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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