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Michigan Archaeology Day

Archaeology

Michigan Archaeology Day

Archaeology Day 2020: We're Going Virtual!

Michigan Archaeology Day is an annual one-day event held in Lansing each October, presented through a longstanding partnership between the State Historic Preservation Office and the Michigan History Center-DNR. In recent years, it has drawn over one thousand people for special exhibits, demonstrations, hands-on activities, lectures, and family fun. This year, we are offering a virtual experience to keep everyone healthy and informed. While we’ll miss the personal connections, these digital resources provide a window into Michigan archaeology; but this is just the surface! We hope that you learn something new and are inspired by the many passionate people who work so hard to preserve our shared past.

Archaeology is Important because it...

Honors

  • Our ancestors and community histories
  • Our place in time

Teaches

  • Cultural diversity
  • Principles of anthropology, history, geography, math, geology, biology, chemistry, physics & language
  • Critical thinking
  • Patience & attention to detail
  • Outdoor skills

Reveals

  • Dynamic social relationships
  • Environmental stability & change
  • Biological variation
  • Technological & artistic transformations
  • Our shared curiosity

Guides

  • Planning efforts
  • Construction to assess possible impacts on significant sites
  • Compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act & other laws that protect cultural resources
  • Environmental studies for federal, tribal, state, & local development

Attracts

  • Public involvement where diverse backgrounds are respected & valued
  • Tourism for museums, parks, & main streets through the interpretation of local history
  • Local leaders desiring to strengthen a shared sense of community

Archaeology is for Everyone

Archaeology is much more than just digging—it is cooperative research, analysis, reporting, curation, stewardship, education, and public outreach. Learn about some exciting projects in the next section!

Explore Archaeology in Michigan – By land and by sea!

By Land

Castle Museum of Saginaw County History

  • Archaeology Collections
  • Castle Museum Research in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Mackinac State Historic Parks

  • Mackinac Archaeology 
  • Visit the Powder Magazine, our most intact archaeological ruin
  • Visit the Firearms on the Frontier exhibit
  • Treasures from the Sand, highlighting artifacts from the collection: Keys to the Past
  • Treasures from the Sand - Stratigraphy - Colonial Michilimackinac
  • How does the park use archaeology?
  • This Week's Dirt video - July 3, 2019
  • This Week's Dirt video - July 18, 2019
  • 2020 Archaeology Wrap-Up

Marlette Jr./Sr. High School

  • An introduction to archaeology course for pre-college learners

Michigan State University Campus Archaeology Program

The MSU Campus Archaeology Program (CAP) has developed an impressive number of virtual tour and learning experiences which you can explore right from home! Their Digital Cultural Heritage module takes you to the following topics:

      • MSU Apparitions & Archaeology: A Virtual Haunted Campus Tour
      • Capturing Campus Cuisine through historic privy exploration
      • Campus as Laboratory: An Oral History of the Campus Archaeology Program
      • Tour of MSU’s Historic Faculty Row
      • Tour of MSU’s Historic Laboratories
      • Campus Archaeology Twine Tour
      • 3D Cultural Heritage Models
      • Informational and Instructional Blogs: Campus Archaeology in the Time of Covid-19
        This is an update of the work MSU Campus Archaeology Program has been up to in the summer of 2020. This summer has been one of great concern for our community and nation as well as one where we have had to rethink how we approach Campus Archaeology amid a global pandemic. 
      • Campus Archaeology and Social Media: What We’ve Learned
        Since its official beginnings in 2007, social media has played an important role in the management of and education about cultural heritage on campus. Social media is part of a larger multifaceted communication plan that has been developed as part of this program for multiple reasons and is not simply a tool for public engagement. Over the last seven years, we’ve changed, updated, and maintained a social media presence that has been pivotal in our success as a small group in a large university. 
      • Where Are You Registered? Understanding British Registered Design Marks
        Learn how archaeologists date, or identify how old, 19th century British Ceramics using printed maker’s and registry marks. This page explains what registered design marks are, how to read them, and how they are useful for archaeologists. 
      • Creating Outreach Site Kits
        In 2017 CAP was contacted by a group of Middle School teachers here in Michigan and asked if we would be interested in collaborating. This district had recently changed some of the social science curriculum to include more anthropology/archaeology and study of the ancient past. The teachers asked if we would be willing to come in and conduct an event that would allow their students to interact with archaeologists and to have the opportunity for hands on engagement. This is how me built that event. 
      • Emphasizing Laboratory Work in Archaeology: A New Outreach Activity
        This blog post is about Michigan Archaeology day 2019 and introduces an outreach activity we developed new for that event. In it we share the behind the scenes laboratory side of our work with the community. It is our attempt to develop outreach activities to bring the lab to the public. 
      • An Introduction to Open Archaeology
        This is an introduction to “open archaeology”. Open archaeology is defined as archaeology focused on “promoting open redistribution and access to the data, processes and syntheses generated within the archaeological domain” (Beck and Neylon 2012). There are multiple motivations for engaging with this type of public archaeology and, in this blog, we present some of these motivations behind and a few examples of open archaeology. 
      • Identifying Historic Bottles from MSU’s Campus
        This covers some tips and tricks that MSU Campus Archaeologists rely on to identify historic bottles found on campus. 
      • An Electrifying Discovery: Early Batteries on MSU’s Campus
        Learn how former MSU Campus Archaeologist Lisa Bright solved the mystery of the unidentified carbon rods! On this page you can learn about late zinc-carbon batteries from the late-19th and early 20th centuries and how archaeologists identify the unknown in the lab. 
      • Archaeology 101: Shovel Test Pit Survey
        Learn why archaeologists can be seen digging small holes all over such a large state! An introduction to shovel test survey: What it is and why we do it, for the perspective of MSU’s Campus Archaeology Program. 
      • There is Something Fishy About this Privy
        Learn how former MSU Campus Archaeologist Autumn Painter identified fish remains from the West Circle Privy. Hint: There are walleye in the toilet! 

Michigan Technological University Archaeology at Camp Au Train

        • Marquette Regional History Center
          Watch the virtual program about MTU’s research at Camp Au Train, a WWII prisoner of war camp just outside of Munising.

Warner Pioneer Homestead

        • Historic Warner Homestead near Brighton
          Learn about the award-winning preservation work and archaeological research at this historic Livingston County homestead. 

Wayne State University

        • Excavations at Old Hamtramck Center
          Learn about Wayne State University’s partnership with the Hamtramck Historical Museum to unearth a 19th century home and the remains of a shop and school house.

Western Michigan University

      • Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project
        Fort St. Joseph, a mission, garrison, and trading post, was occupied for nearly a century (1691-1781) along the St. Joseph River in present-day Niles. Since its rediscovery in 1998, the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project—a community service-learning partnership between Western Michigan University and the City of Niles—conducts archaeological excavations, interprets findings, and encourages public participation and community engagement through summer camps, lecture series, open houses, and volunteer opportunities.
      • Learning to Dig It: WMU Archaeological Field School video
        For over two decades, the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project has provided students with the opportunity to learn how to conduct proper archaeological investigations at one of the most important French colonial sites in the western Great Lakes region. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Nassaney, hundreds of students from all over the country have participated in this long-term, multi-disciplinary, community-service learning project that brings the past to life while teaching students to think critically about their role in the discovery of history in collaboration with local community partners. In this video, you can hear from participants who discuss their experiences with the field school and how this opportunity has impacted them personally and professionally. The Project looks forward to welcoming students once again to participate in archaeological field school next year!
      • Get Ready to Get Dirty!
        Learn about the opportunity for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and life-long learners to participate in an ongoing archaeological dig through our summer camp program!
      • Fort St. Joseph Scavenger Hunt
        Take part in this self-guided hunt to celebrate the history of Fort St. Joseph and learn more about some of the people and places that had a role in the establishment and continued interest in the fort complex over the last 300+ years!
      • Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future: Public Archaeology at Fort St. Joseph
        Much of the success of the Project is due to the continued support of the Niles community and a legacy of public education and outreach opportunities including an annual lecture series, summer camps, social media, and open house as well as a newly offered historic walking tour. Here we present a brief introduction to the history and archaeology of Fort St. Joseph, highlighting our public outreach efforts.
      • Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project: 2017 Field Season
        Archaeological investigations continued in 2017 at Fort St. Joseph, aimed at examining the history and culture of the fur trade and colonialism in southwest Michigan.
By Sea

Michigan History Center-DNR’s Shipwreck Storymap

Shipwrecks are a wood and steel chronicle of the history of naval architecture on the lakes. An estimated 6,000 vessels have been lost on the Great Lakes with approximately 1,500 of these ships located in Michigan waters. Explore shipwreck stories and locate nearby wrecks with this stunning storymap.

Northwestern Michigan College

The Nautical Archaeology Society International Training Program is hosted by Northwestern Michigan College and is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about maritime and underwater archaeology.

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Located in northwestern Lake Huron, Thunder Bay is adjacent to one of the most treacherous stretches of water within the Great Lakes system. Unpredictable weather, murky fog banks, sudden gales, and rocky shoals earned the area the name "Shipwreck Alley." Today, the 4300-square-mile Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects one of America's best-preserved and nationally-significant collections of shipwrecks.

Preserving Michigan's Underwater Past

The State Historic Preservation Office is just one Michigan state agency which seeks to preserve and protect Michigan's shipwrecks and other maritime resources. 

University of Michigan

Learn about a unique archaeological study seeking evidence of early caribou hunters on the lands now inundated by Lake Huron.

2017 Michigan Maritime Archaeology Awareness Poster - Tuskegee Airmen in Michigan

Learn about the P-39Q Airacobra aircraft found beneath Lake Huron in 2014, 70 years to the day after its tragic crash.

Michigan Underwater Preserves

Since its establishment in 1980, Michigan's underwater preserve system has grown to occupy more than 2300 square miles of Great Lakes bottomland in twelve distinct underwater preserves. They protect some of the region's most sensitive and historic underwater resources.

For Young Archaeologists

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Ancestors, Archaeology and the Anishinabek: Bridging the Past into the Future

Take advantage of these 3rd and 5th grade short curriculum units developed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, representatives from 10 sovereign Native American nations, and their partners.

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MSU Apparitions & Archaeology: A Virtual Haunted Campus Tour

A virtual “Choose Your Own Adventure”-style Apparitions & Archaeology Haunted Campus Tour that combines a tour of the sites we typically present at with in depth discussions of MSU’s historic campus, the people who helped to shape the school, and the results from some of CAP’s favorite archaeological investigations. The virtual tour is free and kid-friendly!

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MSU Campus Archaeology Program Archaeology Activity Book

Providing interactive learning experiences for younger and older children, and great activities for entire families to do together!

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NPS Junior Rangers Archeology Booklet

What is archeology? What do archeologists do? Are you curious about what people in the past did, or what they were like? This guidebook is perfect for ages 6-12.

Take a Road Trip!

Michigan's archaeological history is fascinating! Learn more about state history and archaeology at these institutions. Seasonal restrictions and COVID-19 closings or requirements may apply.

Michigan Geology 101

This new interactive map created by the Michigan DNR displays information related to Michigan's geology, natural features, and mining history. Within the map, users can view the distribution of sediments that were deposited and features left behind by the continental ice sheets that moved across Michigan during the last Ice Age, as well as sediments deposited by wind and water since the glaciers melted. These are shown in the layers titled Michigan Surficial Geology, Critical Dunes and Quaternary Geological Features. In addition, you can view the bedrock geologic formations that lie directly beneath the glacial sediments by turning on the Michigan Bedrock Geology layer.

You can also explore where copper, gold and iron were historically mined in Michigan. Native Americans mined copper in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for thousands of years. Native people used copper to fashion tools and ornaments and revered it as a source of power. Zoom in and out and turn on and off the different layers on the left column to explore Michigan's colorful geologic history! Learn more about this map and Michigan geology here.

Explore Careers in Archaeology

There are many pieces to the puzzle of archaeology! In this series, the Society for American Archaeology explores some of the diverse careers in the field.

Read More

More Resources

Geology and Technology

Michigan Geology 101

Check out the interactive state geology map created especially for virtual Archaeology Day by Peter Rose, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The map explores more than just rock types and sand dunes. Find Michigan waterfalls, abandoned mines, and more!

  • Interactive State Geology Map 
  • Read about remote sensing tools that help find and study sites

2018 Michigan Archaeology Awareness Poster- ezhibiigaadek asin/Knowledge Written on Stone

  • Learn how Tribal and State partners are documenting the Sanilac Petroglyphs using terrestrial LiDAR and close-range photogrammetry

Modeling the Past: Photogrammetry and Anthropological Research

  • MSU PhD Candidate and Campus Archaeology Program fellow Jack Biggs explains the use and methodologies of an imagining technique called photogrammetry. Photogrammetry, at its most basic, takes a set of 2D images of an object, person, or place, stitches the images together, and if all goes well, a 3D rendition of that object is created in digital space. Learn more

The Archaeology of MSU in 20 3D Artifacts 

  • Explore the archaeology of Michigan State University campus throughout four phases of MSU history from 1855 to 1955. Here you will view a 3D virtual exhibit where you can uncover some lesser known tidbits from MSU’s history…one artifact at a time! 
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Since 1990, Federal law has provided for the repatriation and disposition of certain Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. Learn about NAGPRA at these links.

  • National NAGPRA 
  • Michigan Anishinabek Cultural Preservation & Repatriation Alliance 
Statewide Groups and Academic Programs
  • Conference on Michigan Archaeology 
  • Michigan Archaeological Society 
  • Michigan Historic Preservation Network 
  • State Historic Preservation Office Archaeology 
  • Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and Tribal Cultural Representatives 

Colleges and Universities

  • Central Michigan University
  • Michigan State University
  • Michigan Technological University
  • Northern Michigan University
  • Northwestern Michigan College
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Michigan Dearborn
  • University of Michigan Flint
  • Wayne State University
  • Western Michigan University

How You Can Help

Support Michigan archaeology by respecting sites on public land, being good stewards of sites on your property, volunteering, and learning more! 

Think You’ve found an Artifact or Site?

Once removed from their original locations, artifacts will lose their research value unless the removal is properly documented. Maintain good records for any artifacts you find, including a map of their original location and notes on how they were discovered.

SHPO archaeologists maintain the official record of archaeological sites in Michigan that includes more than 23,000 land and submerged sites and 1,500 shipwrecks, curate the state’s archaeological collections, accept artifact donations, nominate significant sites to the National Register of Historic Places, collaborate with Tribal and other descendent communities, and help landowners be successful site stewards.

Most importantly, we cannot protect or learn from sites that we do not know exist! If you think you have discovered an archaeological site, email your State Historic Preservation Office archaeologist so we can help identify what you've found: preservation@michigan.gov.

Is that part of a shipwreck? If you discover something along a Great Lakes shoreline, let us know by filing out the Great Lakes Coastline Survey Initiative Beach Wreckage Recording Form. 

Access Wreckage Form

Who Owns Artifacts?

Artifacts are the property of the landowner (including the riparian landowner); you must have permission to remove artifacts from private land. Artifacts on federal or state land and bottomland (beneath the Great Lakes and where inland riparian rights apply) belong to all our citizens, and it is illegal to disturb them. Leave them in place and report them to the appropriate land manager. Do not metal detect on public lands unless current regulations allow it.

Be Preservation-Minded

Archaeological sites are nonrenewable. Once gone, they are gone forever. Treat every site with care and respect, and with their preservation for the good of future generations in mind.

Thanks to our Partners

Archaeology Day is a joint presentation by the State Historic Preservation Office and the Michigan History Center-DNR. We would like to thank and recognize each partner who contributed material for Virtual Michigan Archaeology Day 2020 and who make their research and collections publically accessible. Thank you!

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