The Office of the State Archaeologist
About The Office of the State Archaeologist
Founded in 1959, the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) is a research unit organized under the UI Vice President for Research. Nationally recognized for decades of innovation in the field of archaeology, the OSA conducts archaeological research and public programs around the state, preserves ancient burial sites, and examines and reinters ancient human remains. The OSA also maintains the state archaeological repository, manages data on all recorded archaeological sites in Iowa, and publishes technical reports and public resources on Iowa archaeology.
Examples of ways this office could contribute to FYS instructors' lesson plans, final projects, etc.
OSA staff can offer facility tours and guest lectures on a wide range of archaeological and bioarchaeological topics, including collections management, research, and our compliance with state and federal regulations. We collaborate with educators, agencies, cultural and historical organizations, naturalists, the public, and Tribes descendant to Iowa to research and develop public and classroom educational programs, events, exhibitions and interpretive resources, and print and digital media. We are statutorily responsible for ancient burial site and human remains protections (Iowa Code Ch 263B.7-9) and are the mandated repository for the State's archaeological collections (Iowa Administrative Code 685, Ch7-8).
