Previous Years
Office of the State Archaeologist annual reports from 2010 through the last fiscal year are archived in the University of Iowa Digital Library. They are viewable in PDF format.
FY 2024 OSA Annual Report
WHO WE ARE
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
John Doershuk | State Archaeologist | Instructor
Field Archaeology at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory
The 2024 Lakeside Laboratory archaeological field school included students from UI, UNI, and UW-Platteville who continued investigation of a portion of 13DK9, the Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin Historic Site located in Arnolds Park on the shores of West Okoboji Lake. The students discovered copious artifacts related to Abbie’s late nineteenth-early twentieth century use of the cabin as one of Iowa’s first heritage tourism locations and a possible precontact component that the Lakeside Lab Summer 2025 field school will continue to investigate. [Summer 2024, 9 students]
Archaeology of the American Midcontinent
This online course explored the past beyond what historical documents reveal. Students learned about regional archaeological data in addressing culture change issues to develop the essential grounding for understanding how people lived in different times and places in the past, and how precontact peoples relate to their modern descendants across the midcontinent. [Fall 2023, 22 students]
Anthropology 3305: Human Osteology
Lara Noldner | Bioarchaeology Director | Instructor
Students build knowledge of the human skeletal system that is foundational to a diversity of other fields in anthropology and medicine including: forensic anthropology, paleoanthropology, bioarchaeology, medical anatomy, physical therapy, human biomechanics, and biomechanical engineering. Topics include bone microstructure, growth, and remodeling; basic anatomy and nomenclature pertaining to the whole human skeletal system; methods for assessing age, sex, stature, ancestry, pathologies and cultural modification; applications of basic principles and data sources in anthropological research; and ethical considerations for human skeletal collections and pertinent federal and state statutes. [Fall 2023, 15 students]
First-Year Seminar: The Skills That Time Forgot: An Introduction to Experimental Archaeology
Veronica Mraz | Project Archaeologist | Instructor
Students explored how people made arrowheads and early ceramics through a fun, engaging, hands on class. This course explored the process of combining the scientific method with archaeological artifacts and using the results from these experiments to learn about the people that created the artifacts recovered from archaeological sites. [Fall 2023, 17 students]
OFFICE & STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
FY2024 Staff Transitions
Ryan Lange
June 2023Ryan Lange became a research archaeologist in June 2023. Ryan began volunteering at OSA in 2016 while an undergraduate at the University of Northern Iowa. After graduation, he was hired at OSA as an archaeological technician. Ryan also has previous archaeological field experience with the Sanford Museum in Cherokee, Iowa, and Maya Research Program in Blue Creek, Belize. He previously worked as a GIS and drone specialist and instructor for the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment at Illinois State University.
Teresa Rucker
January 2024In January 2024, Teresa Rucker was promoted from archivist to research support specialist. Teresa began working at OSA in 2010 as a work-study student focused on office administration. She was quickly promoted to the position of archival assistant and became OSA's official archivist in 2014. In her new position, Teresa is responsible for post-award financial tracking of all OSA funds and works closely with the OSA directors to coordinate budget and spending plans for projects and programs.
Maizy Fugate
April 1, 2024OSA hired Maizy Fugate to fill the role of archivist in April 2024. Maizy completed her undergraduate degree in Anthropology at UI, with a specialization in cultural resource and heritage management, and attended John Doershuk’s Lakeside Laboratory archaeological field school. She began her career at OSA in 2018, working on a private collection of artifacts before transitioning to an archaeological technician and archives assistant.
John Hedden
April 2, 2024Also in April, long-time OSA employee John Hedden retired. John started working for OSA as a research archaeologist in 1992 for the Highway Archaeology Program. In May 2017, John was promoted to Research Administrator, combining an undergraduate degree in business with his deep knowledge of Iowa archaeology practice. In his retirement, John is happily spending time with his many grandkids and pursuing his passion for fishing. John currently holds an adjunct research associate position with OSA.
Professional Development and Service
In March, OSA directors Elizabeth Reetz and Carrie Parris attended a week-long Process of Interpretive Planning training in March in Reston, VA, hosted by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). Their goal with this training is to strengthen OSA’s interpretive services, create more intentional and impactful public resources, expertly assist other institutions with the interpretation of objects in OSA’s collections. Elizabeth is working towards her Certified Interpretive Planner (CIP) credentials.
In May, John Doershuk participated in the “Airlie House Revisited (2.0): Visioning Future Directions in CRM Archeology” four-day workshop held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, sponsored by the Society for American Archaeology and the National Park Service. This workshop included intensive discussion sessions on workforce training and careers in CRM archaeology, decolonization and engaging descendant communities, archaeological collections management, and CRM archaeological compliance best practices.
During FY24, John Doershuk was asked to join a three-year grant-funded initiative as a network participant sponsored by the Alexandria Archive focused on advancing FAIR+CARE practices in cultural heritage. With funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grants for Libraries program the project will develop, disseminate, and promote ethical good practice guidance and digital data governance models integrating FAIR+CARE (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable/Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, and Ethics) data principles.
BY THE NUMBERS
64
years the OSA has
served Iowa and
Midwest region as a
UI research center
$ 2,202,085
US dollars OSA received in
support from sponsored
grants and contracts
1 %
is how much gifts
and endowments
contributed to the
OSA budget
51
staff members and
adjunct researchers
worked for OSA
during FY 2024
2,065
volunteer and student
hours contributed to
OSA projects
114
collections were
newly accessioned
during the fiscal year
32,031
archaeological sites
recorded by the end
of the fiscal year
15
publications by OSA staff
45
public outreach events
3,300 +
people engaged
through OSA
and archaeology
events
13
professional presentations nationwide
STUDENT & VOLUNTEER SUCCESS
Many OSA staff members mentor students and train and supervise student workers, interns, and other volunteers. The OSA actively supports undergraduate and graduate student use of its archaeological, osteological, and comparative collections; scholarly documents; electronic databases; scientific instrumentation; and laboratory space for degree-related research. These resources contribute to the educational experience of students in diverse UI departments including,
- Anthropology
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Geographical and Sustainability Sciences
- History
- Museum Studies
In FY 2024 the OSA facilities, collections, and staff provided classroom enrichment and workplace experience for a total of 18 faculty, staff, and students and six member of the public who worked to log 2,065 hours at the OSA contributing to project activities.
Participating Institutions:
- University of Iowa
- Cornell College
- Drake University
- Hawkeye Community College
- Iowa Archeological Society
- Kirkwood Community College
RESEARCH
ARCHAEOLOGICAL & ARCHITECTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
The OSA conducts both contract and grant-funded research involving archaeological and architectural history studies statewide. These projects, regardless of funding source or sponsor, generate important new knowledge about precontact and historic era Midwestern adaptations, and they form the basis for many staff publications, professional and public presentations, and student and faculty research projects.
Infrastructure Surveys
Excluding Iowa Department of Transportation projects discussed below, the OSA conducted 185 archaeological and architectural projects in FY 2024, significantly contributing to the enhancement of statewide economic development. In addition to 72 archaeological or architectural history Phase IA and Desktop evaluations, OSA staff conducted 101 Phase I archaeological surveys, recording or supplementing information on 29 archaeological sites. Twelve Phase I architectural history surveys were completed. The FY 2024 efforts included projects in 66 different Iowa counties and served 28 different sponsors. Local government clients included the cities of Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, and Glenwood, and the counties of Iowa and Cass. State and federal agency clients included the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the US Department of Agriculture. Three non-profit affordable housing clients, including Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, and Vera French Housing were provided CRM compliance support.
Iowa Department of Transportation
FY 2024 marks 54 years of contracted services with the Iowa DOT for archaeological investigations and 35 years of historic architectural evaluations. A total of 144 Phase IA Cultural Resource Evaluation reports was submitted, along with seven technical reports pertaining to Phase I intensive surveys. In addition, the OSA completed an obsidian sourcing project for the Iowa DOT.
Architectural History
One of the more interesting architecture history surveys we performed in FY 2024 was in Des Moines, for the SE Fourteenth Street (US 69) bridge over the Des Moines River. Our researchers found the 1937-built bridge is significant in several respects. It served as a critical component of one of the earliest attempts to route through traffic away from Des Moines’ central business district, a trend that started in the 1920s and reached its culmination in the construction of interstate highways in the late 1950s and 1960s. It was also important for its association with the Works Progress Administration and other New Deal programs. Finally, the US 69 bridge is an early example of continuous steel girder bridge construction in Iowa and an important early example of the work of the engineering firm of Sverdrup and Parcel.
Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve
In May and June 2024, a team of 11 OSA archaeologists completed a large Phase I archaeological survey for the Iowa Department of Transportation in the Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve and District in Mills County, Iowa. The survey was in anticipation of U.S. 34 improvements into the Glenwood Resource Center and the City of Glenwood. The OSA team included Jerry Breiner, Maizy Fugate, Alan Hawkins, Annabel Hendrickson, Jenna Hentrich, Dan McCullough, Veronica Mraz, Lara Noldner, Brenden Patterson, Cynthia Peterson, and William Walker. Brennan Dolan, the Iowa DOT Location and Environmental Bureau, Cultural Resources Manager, also assisted in the investigations. The purpose of the investigation was to identify and delineate previously unrecorded archaeological sites and revisit ten previously recorded sites 13ML120, 13ML121, 13ML294, 13ML495, 13ML558, and 13ML560 (Nebraska phase lodges); 13ML557 (a presumed precontact burial/ossuary/mortuary facility), 13ML698 (a precontact scatter), and 13ML487 and 13ML711 (isolated lithic flakes). Sites 13ML495, 13ML558, 13ML560, 13ML698 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as contributing resources to the Glenwood Archaeological District. Avoidance was recommended for 13ML557 due to concerns about human remains. Additionally, avoidance or Phase III data recovery was recommended for 13ML558, 13ML560, and 13ML698 since it was determined that these sites still contain intact subsurface cultural deposits that can answer significant research questions about precontact lifeways.
Archaeological Survey at Iowa’s First Commercial Creamery
Prior to a creek bank stabilization project, OSA Research Archaeologist Veronica Mraz conducted a Phase I archaeological survey in Delaware County on behalf of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to assess if significant cultural resources were present there. Built in the 1870s, remnants of Iowa’s first commercial creamery (previously recorded site 13DW42) are already listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is known both as the Spring Branch Butter Factory and John Stewart’s Creamery. This site is pivotal toward understanding early commercialization in Iowa agriculture. Traces of the site were found to extend into the proposed construction area. OSA recommended thoughtful bank stabilization could help preserve the site, and the Iowa DNR should consult on this matter with the State Historical Society of Iowa to ascertain best practices to aid in preservation of this significant site.
RESEARCH COLLECTIONS
The OSA continually adds archaeological materials and related documents to the State Archaeological Repository and provides materials for local, regional, and national exhibition and research purposes.
114
collections accessioned
this fiscal year
7
collections loaned
this fiscal year
15
External researchers working with collections in the lab
1,700 +
Hours of collections work done by volunteers, interns, & students
299,849
total archival records
94 %
of records available digitally on iArc
Loans
During FY 2024, OSA facilitated seven loans for archaeological research and analysis, formal exhibition, and informal displays accompanying presentations. The loans included artifacts from 10 accessioned collections, OSA reference collections, and unaccessioned collections representing material from 10 archaeological sites.
Collections
The archaeological collections at the OSA are used for many different purposes including outreach and educational, loans, and research. In FY 2024, 45 accessions, representing 34 unique sites, were accessed. The majority of these collections were accessed for research purposes or as examples for groups visiting the OSA.
Users of collections during FY24 included 15 individuals with a range of affiliations such as the OSA, University of Iowa Department of Anthropology, Cornell College, Wapsi Valley Archaeology, and James Madison University.
Development of an Unprovenienced Collection
During FY 2024, a new method for documenting unprovenienced materials donated to the OSA by private collectors was developed. Artifacts without provenience make up approximately 10% of materials that are donated to the OSA. Previously, these items may have been discarded or added to a comparative collection without formal documentation of the object’s donor. Now, objects without provenience are cataloged, labeled, and added to the unaccessioned Unprovenienced Collection which in practice is a set of boxes and bins with artifacts sorted by type. These artifacts can be allocated as needed for outreach activities, comparative collections, or experimental archaeology, improving the documentation and stewardship of this category of artifacts.
Archives
OSA’s archives team, led by Teresa Rucker (outgoing archivist) and Maizy Fugate (starting April 1), added 2,534 new records to iArc, including reports, books, conference papers, manuscripts, journal articles, newspaper articles, and photographs. iArc continued to be important to research at OSA and outside agencies, firms, and individuals.
iArc Stats for FY 2024:
299,849 total records, 94% available digitally on iArc
- 3,881 legacy documents were accessed 1,553 times
- 1,343 reports submitted to Iowa DOT were accessed 1,374 times
- 1,366 reports submitted to Iowa DNR were accessed 1,429 times
- External iArc users accessed 4,238 documents a total of 9,429 times
RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY
32,031
total sites recorded in Iowa
278
new site shapes in the site file
173
site file data searches
638
registered I-SitesPro users
OSA’s commitment to conducting and disseminating modern high-quality archaeological research requires a significant investment in research technology. From maintaining complex databases, to deploying a suite of scientific instruments and equipment, to supporting an array of Internet and other social media, the OSA’s involvement in research technology covers the gamut of twenty-first century breakthroughs in archaeology.
Iowa Site File
Most archaeological sites are recorded in the Iowa Site File as a result of cultural resource surveys conducted by professional archaeologists. Some, however, are reported by landowners, avocational archaeologists, and other non-professionals.
Field and Laboratory Technology
Many of OSA’s research endeavors require the use of highly specialized scientific technology in both the field and laboratory setting, including robotic laser transit with data recorder, high resolution GPS units, tablets for mobile data collection, and small drones (UAS) to fly over archaeological sites to create surface models and for infrared thermographic analysis. In FY 2024 OSA Research Technology Director Mary De La Garza and Professor Susan Meerdink (UI Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences) continued their partnership that includes both technology sharing and instruction by De La Garza, who taught in UI’s Edge of Space program.
Website and App Development
During FY 2024 the OSA maintained portals for the Plains Anthropological Society and the Midwest Archaeological Conference, Inc., as well as support for I-SitesPro, I-SitesPro GIS, I-Sites Public, I-SitesGov, iArc, and Ancient Trails in Iowa. OSA also manages development and content for the Iowa Archeological Society and Iowa Archaeology (publications) websites.
BIOARCHAEOLOGY
37
Iowa counties represented
in FY 2024
31
Ancient burial site
investigations/reports
22
Consultations for
development projects
18
Inadvertent discovery
investigations
NAGPRA Work
This year the Bioarchaeology Program published four Notices of Inventory Completion – two for ancestors originally interred in Iowa, one for ancestors affiliated with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (Three Affiliated Tribes), and the Pawnee, and one for ancestors affiliated with the Ho-Chunk, Winnebago, Iowa, Otoe-Missouria, and Ponca.
Planning for the reburial of ancestors from Iowa as well as ancestors claimed by the Three Affiliated Tribes was initiated and is still underway. An additional two Notices were submitted for publication in the Federal Register for ancestors with no provenience and for ancestors with geographical affiliation to the Midwest U.S. They were published in the Federal Register in July.
Lara Noldner attended the annual Repatriation Conference of the Association on American Indian Affairs in November.
Other Projects
The Bioarchaeology Program carried out its usual work with landowners who serve as site stewards, and local, state, and federal agencies in upholding our responsibilities for ancient burial site and inadvertent discovery investigations and reporting, and the protection of sites potentially impacted by development.
We also completed a statewide survey of post-contact Indian cemeteries in Minnesota. Sam Murphy recorded and mapped in GIS 399 cemeteries and other significant places (i.e. boarding schools, removal routes, reservation boundaries) and shared results in consultation and collaboration with descendant communities.
Teaching
Lara Noldner taught Human Osteology (ANTH 3305) with 15 students (12 undergraduate and 3 graduate) completing the course, and mentored three students through Independent Studies (ANTH:3015) that involved documentation of the University of Iowa Stanford Collection.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
The Number of Individuals Reached through Public and Professional Outreach
3,367
total people reached
1,148
through all ages public programs
943
through lectures to special interest groups
570
through K-12 presentations & tours
161
through higher ed lectures & workshops
545
through professional conferences
The OSA provides resources and opportunities that encourage the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of Iowa’s archaeological past. Although in-person programming has resumed, OSA continues to do digital programming, and staff reached over 500 people live via Zoom. Additionally, OSA reached thousands more through TV and radio interviews.
Exploring Iowa Archaeology in K-12 Education
A total of 570 K–12 students participated in in-person and virtual archaeology presentations, activities, and tours with OSA staff.
Educators continued their long-time, award-winning Exploring Iowa Archaeology in the K–12 Classroom presentations virtually and in-person. Requests for classroom programming came from teachers, museums, and homeschool groups.
Special events this year included participation in summer camps for the Iowa First Nations Summer Program, Edge of Space Camp, and College for Kids at Coe College.
Additionally, OSA reached over 500 students through rentals of the Iowa Archaeology Discovery Trunks by teachers and nonformal educators.
Bringing Archaeology to Iowa Communities
Engaging with the Interested Public through Virtual and In-Person Programming
The OSA continues to foster strong relationships with heritage preservation organizations across the state. OSA participated in its 9th Project AWARE, which involved 315 participants who paddled 58 miles on the Iowa River in Marshall, Tama, Benton, and Iowa counties. OSA participated as “resident archaeologists” and assisted with educational programs at the event.
Outreach activities in partnership with the History and Culture tent at the Meskwaki Powwow recommenced this year, and OSA was delighted to be back in action with Johnathan and Suzanne Buffalo. Other major events for in-person outreach by OSA staff were the Iowa Archeological Society (IAS) spring meeting in Marquette; information booths at Keokuk Bald Eagle Appreciation Days and Emma Big Bear Day; paddle trips on the Des Moines River with the Iowa Resource for International Service’s Iraqi student exchange program; a presentation on mammoths and mastodons at the Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County; a panel discussion at the first Iowa History Conference for the public; and a successful UI Center for Advancement Senior College course.
@IOWAARCHAEOLOGY
The education and outreach content on the OSA website remained a vigorous, interactive conduit between the public and the OSA. The OSA’s social media pages were an important venue for disseminating news and program information in FY 2024. Active social media platforms administered by the OSA include Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
6,561 followers, up 237
24.1k unique views,
204 new subscribers
1,537 followers
The most popular social media post featured a mastodon rib that staff were cleaning and examining; it reached 15,281 people on Facebook, demonstrating the platform’s powerful potential in terms of engagement and outreach. On YouTube, people watched Iowa Archaeology videos 24,117 times during FY 2024.