Indiana Archaeology Month in September will highlight the state's utopian communities.

Archaeology Month is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about Indiana archaeology. A variety of events for all ages are held every September by universities, museums, organizations and individuals throughout the state. The Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology coordinates Archaeology Month.

During the early decades of the 19th century, some people attempted to establish utopian communities in Indiana. For example, the Shakers established Busro or West Union in Knox County, and New Harmony in Posey County was the site of two early-American utopian communities-the religious Harmonie Society (the Harmonists) and later the secular Owenites.

Archaeological investigations have taught us much about the way people lived at sites of these communal societies.

"Archaeology provides us with a unique opportunity to look into our past," said Cameron Clark, DNR director and State Historic Preservation Officer. "Archaeology Month helps bring attention to those who open windows to our past and to where some of those windows can be found, such as West Union and New Harmony.

"I encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about where and how Hoosiers lived years ago."

Archaeologists have recorded more than 64,000 sites in Indiana since the early 1800s, helping to shape public understanding of the prehistoric and historic people who also called this land home.

A schedule of events and additional information for this year's Archaeology Month can be found at dnr.IN.gov/historic, or by contacting Amy Johnson at ajohnson@dnr.IN.gov or (317) 232-6982.

The commemorative poster and shirt designs this year show artifacts and features from New Harmony. Shirts are $6 and can be purchased from the DNR Customer Service Center at (317) 232-4200 or toll-free at (877) 463-6367.



Media contact: Amy Johnson, DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, ajohnson@dnr.IN.gov or (317) 232-6982.