Governor Pillen Declares September Nebraska Archeology Month

Nebraska Archeology Month celebrates the state’s archeological history by providing an opportunity for Nebraska citizens and professional archeologists to appreciate its importance to the future. The recognition includes the availability of Below Nebraska: Archeology and Ancestors, a nonfiction work published by University Press for the Nebraska State Historical Society and edited by former State Archeologist and Nebraska State Historical Society staff member John “Rob” Bozell.

In the last year, the Nebraska State Historical Society’s State Archeology Office team worked to explore and interpret the state’s 11,000-plus archeological sites. State archeological staff worked in 70 Nebraska counties and collaborated with state and federal agencies, Tribal Nations, local communities, the University of Nebraska, and local historical organizations.

“Our archeology team at the Nebraska State Historical Society consists of archeologists, collections managers, architectural historians, and geographic information systems – GIS – specialists, all of whom are dedicated professionals with academic and practical experience in various aspects of Plains archeology and history, and in field and laboratory research,” said Nebraska State Archeologist Dave Williams.

The Nebraska State Archeology Office preserves, explores, and interprets Nebraska’s archeological sites and other historic resources for the benefit of the public and the advancement of archeological understanding. It acts as the clearinghouse for all archeological activity and research in Nebraska.

“Public outreach plays an important role in the work of the State Archeology Office, and we can’t do what we do without public support,” said Williams.

“Nebraska’s archeologists seek to educate citizens about the state’s past as a way to protect our shared cultural history for this and future generations,” said Governor Jim Pillen in declaring September Nebraska Archeology Month.

The Nebraska State Historical Society is offering Archeology Month programs and activities at the Nebraska History Museum.

-Scavenger Hunt: Archeologists at Work: Saturday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Nebraska History Museum

-Homeschool Day: Archeology in Nebraska, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. - Noon, Nebraska History Museum

-Scout Merit Badge Workshops: Archeology Merit Badge, Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. - Noon, Nebraska History Museum

-Lunchbox Lecture: Pawnee Archeology, Tuesday, Sept. 15, Noon - 1 p.m., Nebraska History Museum