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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

Mastodon Exhibit Ribbon Cutting at Prairie Trails Museum | Corydon, IA promotional image

Mastodon Exhibit Ribbon Cutting at Prairie Trails Museum | Corydon, IA

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:00am
Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County
The Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County in Corydon, IA, is hosting a ribbon cutting for their new mastodon exhibit during their Fall Pioneer Festival on September 26. The ribbon cutting is at noon, but festivities start at 10am.
This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Effigy Mounds National Monument promotional image

This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Effigy Mounds National Monument

Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:00pm
Effigy Mounds National Monument
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. This event is hosted by Effigy Mounds National Monument at their Visitor Center. It is free and open to the public.
This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Luther College, Decorah promotional image

This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map | Luther College, Decorah

Monday, October 5, 2026 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Luther College
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. Luther College archaeologist, Colin Betts, will join Green to discuss the roles of Native mapmaking and oral traditions, historical documents, and archaeology in documenting the deep connections of the Iowa Tribe to the Midwest generally, and northeast Iowa in particular.
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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