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Ohio History Connection's Archaeology Collection consists of more than 5,800 separate collections containing more than one million objects and representing 15,000 years of Ohio's cultural heritage. Striking examples include the Adena Pipe, copper and obsidian artifacts from the Hopewell Mound Group, the Tremper effigy pipes and Adena engraved tablets. Our collections also provide the basis for current and future archaeological research projects, exhibits and educational programs. As of January 2022, the Ohio History Connection has over 87,000 Archaeology collection and object records available to view on our Online Collections Catalog.
The first site in the Ohio History Connection's site system was the Fort Ancient Earthworks, which was acquired in 1891. The Fort Ancient Earthworks, a National Historic Landmark, are a series of earthen embankments that extend for more than 3½ miles around a high bluff along the Little Miami River in southwestern Ohio. Other archaeological sites in our network include the Newark Earthworks a National Historic Landmark and Ohio's state prehistoric monument, and Serpent Mound, a National Historic Landmark.
The objects in our Archaeology Collection tell the story of Ohio's past, from American Indian mounds to historic battlefields.
ExploreThis digital library has more than 27,000 images from Ohio History Connection and 330 other historical societies, libraries and museums.
Visit Ohio MemoryOhioPix is an image reproduction database managed by Ohio History Connection, including hundreds of images of archaeology collections.
Visit Ohio Pix
Ohio History Connection accepts archaeological collections with educational and/or research potential and that fulfill collecting guidelines. Check out Donation FAQ for more information or Contact Us if you are interested in donating material.
Ohio History Connection also curates collections resulting from Cultural Resource Management (CRM) projects required by Federal and/or state laws, a service for which Ohio History Connection will normally assess a fee. Contact the Archaeology Department to request current curation forms and processes.
We are currently accepting archaeological collection and site research applications. Please visit our Research Requests & Inquires landing page for more information.