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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

OSA Brown Bag | Hit the Floor: Stratigraphy in Glenwood Phase Lodges promotional image

OSA Brown Bag | Hit the Floor: Stratigraphy in Glenwood Phase Lodges

Friday, March 6, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Clinton Street Building
Join OSA Adjunct Research Associate Mike Perry as he presents an OSA Brown Bag talk on stratigraphy in Glenwood phase lodges. This program is free and open to the public. It will also be viewable via Zoom.
OSA Brown Bag | Changes Throughout Time: Shifts in Methodology at Woodpecker Cave promotional image

OSA Brown Bag | Changes Throughout Time: Shifts in Methodology at Woodpecker Cave

Friday, March 13, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Clinton Street Building
Join OSA Archaeology Technician, Evan Banks, as he presents an OSA Brown Bag talk on excavation methodologies at Woodpecker Cave. This program is free and open to the public. It will also be viewable via Zoom.
Fort Madison and the War of 1812 with State Archaeologist John Doershuk promotional image

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.
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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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