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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

31,700 +

archaeological sites as of FY23

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

OSA is Hiring: Research Archaeologist

Thursday, March 14, 2024
photo collage

OSA Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report

Friday, November 3, 2023
Elizabeth Reetz, M.A., M.Ed.
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

Iowa Archaeology at the Iowa History Conference promotional image

Iowa Archaeology at the Iowa History Conference

Thursday, June 6, 2024 (all day)
State Historical Society of Iowa
Join us for our Iowa Archaeology panel at the free Iowa History Conference at the State Historical Society in Des Moines at 9 a.m. on June 6, 2024.
Beyond Food: Ancestral Native American Use of Deer and Bison promotional image

Beyond Food: Ancestral Native American Use of Deer and Bison

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 11:00am
Tama County Nature Center
OSA's Cherie Haury-Artz will present one of her original programs, Beyond Food: Ancestral Native American Use of Deer and Bison, at the Tama County Nature Center on June 11, 2024, 11 a.m.
Save the Date: OWLS (Older, Wiser Livelier Souls) Archaeology Summer Paddle Event promotional image

Save the Date: OWLS (Older, Wiser Livelier Souls) Archaeology Summer Paddle Event

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 9:00am
Jones County Conservation
Jones County Conservation Board is hosting an archaeology paddle trip for a summer OWLS (Older, Wiser Livelier Souls) program. Press release with details forthcoming! Advance registration will be required.
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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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