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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

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
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
John Doershuk, Ph.D., RPA
University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist
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Events

First Nations: Those Who Have Gone Before promotional image

First Nations: Those Who Have Gone Before

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7:30pm
Tosanak Recreation Area
This event is part of the Iowa Project AWARE volunteer week. All educational programming is open to the public! Bring a lawn chair and meet at the Tosanak Recreation Area, Marble Rock. Follow the signs for Project AWARE.Program Description: A look at the Indigenous cultures of Iowa with a focus on those which had historical associations with what is now north-central Iowa: Báxoǰe (Iowa), Meskwaki, Ho-Chunk, and Wahpekute Dakota. We will take a look at their history in the region and their...
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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