September is Archaeology Month in Indiana

September 3, 2019

For the month of September, Hoosiers across the state will be celebrating Archaeology Month. Lectures, presentations and tours of several historic sites will help illuminate the histories of Indiana’s ancient people.

By delving into this history, modern-day Hoosiers can also explore important environmental questions regarding these sites.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, more than 71,000 sites have been recorded by archaeologists since the early 1800s. Along with these discoveries have come questions about historical preservation, environmental justice and the use of natural resources.

Events throughout the month will discuss the archaeological and environmental impacts of I-69; preservation of archaeological sites in Indiana forests; the responsible stewardship of Indiana cemeteries; and other topics about Indiana’s green spaces and history.

On Sept. 21, a presentation in Noblesville will cover the history of sewage and trash in late-19th century and early 20th-century Indianapolis. The talk will educate attendees on the patterns of environmental injustice that have impacted Indiana’s lower classes since the Civil War due to improper waste management practices.

Many of the events are interactive and involve hikes or walks to Indiana archaeological sites.

First founded in 1996 as Archaeology Week, the event was expanded in 2002. Coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, the celebration features a variety of events hosted by museums, organizations, universities and individuals throughout Indiana.

Among the communities contributing events to Archaeology Month are Syracuse, Jasper, Bloomington, Anderson and Indianapolis. A complete schedule of Archaeology Month events can be found here.

September is Archaeology Month in Indiana

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