Indiana Archaeology Month is underway, the 26th anniversary of a statewide celebration of archaeology in Indiana. First came Indiana Archaeology Week, which ran from 1996-2001. In 2002, the celebration expanded to Indiana Archaeology Month. All month long, Hoosiers can meet archaeologists and learn about the state’s past. Through the past years’ celebrations, thousands of members of the public have been able to experience archaeology in this and many other ways. One of the local events is coming up next week, Wednesday September 22nd, at Dunes Learning Center in Chesterton, on Indiana’s maritime history and specifically about the J.D. Marshall Nature Preserve and the proposed Muskegon Shipwreck Preserve. Here is a link for more information.
A variety of events for all ages will be offered by universities, museums, organizations, and individuals throughout the state. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) coordinates the activities. A schedule of upcoming events statewide is at on.IN.gov/dhpa .“Archaeology Month allows Hoosiers the opportunity to learn a little about our Indiana ancestors and a lot about ourselves,” said DNR Director Bortner, who is also the State Historic Preservation Officer. “Each year the DHPA team selects a fun new theme to educate and inspire.”
State Archaeologist Amy Johnson, noting that the theme of this year’s Archaeology Month poster, shown at on.IN.gov/archaeologymonth , is “Cheers, Indiana! Archaeology and the Production of Hoosier Spirits”, said:“Studying patterns of the production, distribution, and consumption of Indiana goods is one area of historical archaeological research that can inform us about the lives of past Hoosiers.”
