ARI in Lawrenceburg is one of 10 public archeology organizations in the U.S.

Nonprofit dedicated to preserving history, public education

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Did you know there are only 10 public archeology organizations in the United States and one happens to be in Southeast Indiana?

The Archaeological Research Institute (ARI) is located in Lawrenceburg and is a nonprofit dedicated to studying and preserving the region’s rich history. Another top priority of theirs is to offer educational experiences to the public.

Liz Sedler serves as the executive director of ARI and says the community might not realize how unique this area is. 

“People have been living in our area for 15,000 years and it’s all preserved underneath the ground. This area is so rich with history and we’re just as important as Egypt, Greece and Rome when it comes to archeology,” Sedler said. 

ARI has a team of archeologists that lead the organization’s programming and activities, which include research, education and preservation efforts. 

One of their main areas of study is The Guard Site which is located at the Oxbow Nature Conservancy in Lawrenceburg. 

There is a Native American village site on the property that dates back 800 to 1,000 years. 

Archeologists have found evidence of some of the food that was consumed, a whistle made centuries ago, a chert blade, flaked Knife River chert drill, pottery, and more.

They’ve also uncovered various remains of animals such as the Eastern Elk which went extinct in 1880. 

The team has also found minerals that originate in the Carolinas, Michigan and Wyoming, which is evidence of how far people traveled to trade goods. 

Rachel Sharkey is ARI’s Director of Public Archaeology and is responsible for programming for kids and adults, field schools and other community engagement projects. 

She refers to artifacts that are found as “clues” and the role of an archaeologist is to be a history detective. 

Sharkey says there is a lot to investigate in our region and ARI has found evidence that supports that. 

“Whether it’s a tea cup from the 1850's or a piece of pottery from 3,000 years ago, it’s evidence of people living and loving this area,” she said. 

ARI is kicking off their summer events and there are opportunities to get involved for people of all ages. 

For those who like to collect arrowheads or other items, ARI will host their monthly public Artifact, Rock, and Fossil Identification Day this Saturday. Click here for more.

You can learn more about ARI's other events and their preservation efforts by clicking here.  

Here are some photos from an Open House that was held at the Oxbow last month.