This event is free, though advance tickets are recommended.
Dig into history with Ohio History Connection’s annual Archaeology Day! Explore Ohio’s past with archaeologists from across the state. Learn what it takes to be an archaeologist, participate in a mock dig onsite and hear from experts in the field.
Activities will include presentations, partner booths and hands-on stations. If you also have an object at home that you believe is an artifact, don't forget to stop by our artifact ID table during the event!
Check out the list of ongoing partner tables during the event below:
Artifact Identification Table
Do you have an artifact at home that you would like to learn more about? Stop by the artifact ID table with your object to speak with an actual archaeologist!
*Please note that weapons, firearms, objects containing liquids or chemicals and remains of any kind are prohibited. If you have questions about an object that may fall into one of these categories, you may bring in a photo of the object to show at the ID table.
Pottery Making
Stop by to learn more about the art of pottery making with Ohio History Connection Archaeologist, Thomas Grooms.
Terracon Consultants, Inc. Display Table
Stop by to learn about remote sensing in cemeteries!
Denison University and The Archaeological Institute of America, Columbus Chapter Display Table
Try a variety of hands-on activities at this interactive table to learn more about the archaeology at Denison University and the Archaeological Institute of America.
Heartland Earthworks Conservancy Display Table
Heartland Earthworks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works with primarily private landowners to find and preserve earthworks and mounds using geophysical survey instruments. This technology is revolutionizing archaeology because digging is often unnecessary or minimized. Our exhibit and talk (“Finding Lost Hopewell Earthworks”) will discuss the science and technology used to find previously unknown and thought to be destroyed earthworks in rural and urban areas in central and southern Ohio.
The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. Display Table
Try out a ‘ceramic plate re-fitting’ activity designed for kids involving coloring, cutting, and putting back together ‘ceramic plates’ using paper plates, with discussion on how the ceramic pieces are found by archaeologists, brought back to the lab, and the lab activities.
Wayne National Forest Display Table
This display will include posters and handouts with information about archaeological resources on the Wayne National Forest along with some artifact displays.
Ohio Department of Transportation Display Table
ODOT will be sharing examples of how our projects intersect with archaeology and will have a selection of artifacts for visitors to touch and learn about. Information about internship opportunities will also be available.
Ohio State University, Department of Anthropology Display Table
Stop by to explore activities that will show the variety of the types of tools that can be found in archaeology and how archaeologists put pottery back together!
The Ohio Archaeological Council Display Table
The Ohio Archaeological Council (OAC), is an organization of professional archaeologists, avocational archaeologists, and interested students of Ohio archaeology. The OAC serves as a clearing house for archaeological, prehistoric, and cultural-historical data pertinent to the aboriginal peoples and the early pioneers of the State of Ohio. Additionally, we promote the conservation and preservation of archaeological sites and records of early culture history and to develop among the general public an appreciation of these irreplaceable resources and an awareness of the need for such action.
