State Archaeologist of Iowa logo
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.
An aerial photo of a large excavation block with archaeological tools scattered about

31,300 +

archaeological sites as of FY22

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

Events

Turkey River Archaeo-Blitz and Celebration of Native American Culture promotional image

Turkey River Archaeo-Blitz and Celebration of Native American Culture

Saturday, April 22, 2023 10:00am to 3:00pm
North Fayette Valley Elementary/Middle School
The University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist is returning to Elgin, Iowa, for our second archaeo-blitz in partnership with the Elgin Historical Society and Meskwaki Nation. This is an all-ages family friendly event featuring: Artifact identification, cataloging and care advice, and site recording assistance with OSA archaeologists; traditional crafts demonstrations by Meskwaki and Ho-Chunk artists; a dance performance by Larry Yazzie of Native Pride Dancers; and a fundraiser meal featuring traditional Indigenous foods
Iowa Archeological Society Annual Spring Meeting promotional image

Iowa Archeological Society Annual Spring Meeting

Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29, 2023 (all day)
Sanford Museum and Planetarium
The Sanford Museum & Planetarium in Cherokee, Iowa, will host the Iowa Archeological Society annual spring meeting on April 28-29. Friday’s event is a social and tour of the new archaeology exhibits. The annual business meeting, award ceremony, and presentations will take place on Saturday.
Loess Hills Native American History: Lecture and Hands-on Activities promotional image

Loess Hills Native American History: Lecture and Hands-on Activities

Friday, May 5, 2023 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Loess Hills State Forest
Golden Hills RC&D is partnering with the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist to offer an archaeology roadshow on May 6, 2023. Visitors can bring a small selection of artifacts to discuss with the archaeologists! Please limit the number of artifacts you bring to five or fewer.
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