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DHPA  > Info for Professionals > Information for Archaeology Professionals Information for Archaeology Professionals

Archaeology Draft Guidebook

Conducting Research at DHPA

Once you have been listed on our qualified professional list, scheduling a records check.

  • The DHPA has an online database (SHAARD) where you can find many of the site forms and archaeology reports for Indiana. Not all forms or reports are yet in SHAARD, but more are being entered every day. Access to SHAARD is currently free.
  • How to schedule an appointment: Call our office (317) 234-5254 or email at DHPArecordscheck@dnr.in.gov. Records check appointments for qualified individuals are currently available Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. These slots fill up quickly, so be sure to call as soon as you know you will need an appointment.
  • Provide the office with your information request.
  • Note: The Indiana DHPA charges fees for archaeological records checks at a rate of $35 per half hour.
  • The following procedure is in effect: When you arrive, please check in with the Records Check Coordinator, in room W-274 (Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology). The Records Check Coordinator will assist you by filling in the start time and end time on your Archaeology Public Information Request Tracking sheet, as well as the number of copies you have made. She will assist you with any questions you might have during your records check, and when you have finished, she can accept payment by credit card, cash, or check. You may be billed later.
  • If there is no one at the DHPA front desk when you arrive, please ring the bell and you will be helped. Visitors are not allowed past the DHPA front office. In addition, please keep all valuables with you at all times when in the Indiana Government Center, as the state is not responsible for lost or stolen property. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Recording archaeological sites in our state:
  • The DHPA distributes the archaeological site numbers in Indiana. Once a professional archaeologist has discovered a site(s), call our office (317) 234-5254 to request archaeological site number. County designations for Indiana archaeological sites numbers are provided.
  • Each recording of, survey of, or re-survey of an archaeological site needs to be recorded in SHAARD. Hard copy site forms, which were formerly obtained from the DHPA, are no longer accepted.
  • Completing a cemetery registry survey form. For archaeologists who discover or investigate a cemetery in Indiana, a reminder that we encourage you to fill out the Cemetery Registry survey form and submit it to our office in addition to the archaeological site form.
Staying informed in the field
  • Archaeology News is a free monthly e-newsletter on Indiana Archaeology. If you would like to sign up, contact MyDNR. To see the archive of past issues, go here.
  • Download the Guide to State Preservation Services and Indiana’s Cultural Resources Management Plan 2005-2011. These documents will acquaint you with the many services offered by our office as well as the preservation and archaeological goals for the state.
  • Sign up for Eavesdropping, the Division's bi-monthly e-newsletter.
  • Participate in Indiana Archaeology Month. This is a great way to become more involved in archaeology in our state.
  • Become familiar with the laws which protect archaeological sites in Indiana.
  • Read the archaeological publications available from our office.
  • Learn about archaeology grant opportunities available from our office.
Conducting Archaeological Fieldwork

In an effort to reduce time and paper, the DHPA archaeological staff, with the assistance of the INDOT CRS archaeological staff has developed an Archaeological Short Report format. This format may be used for archaeological records checks and Phase 1a Reconnaissance regardless of acreage provided that no previously recorded sites are present and that no new sites are found. When an archaeological site, which includes isolated finds, is encountered, a full written report following guidance provided in the Current Guidebook for Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory—Archaeological Sites and the Indiana Cultural Resources Manual will need to be submitted. For projects being conducted under IC 14-21-1, be aware of the requirements of 312 IAC 21-3-8 (d) regarding an abbreviated project completion report and 312 IAC 21-3-8 (e) regarding an archaeological records check or literature search.

Although strongly encouraged, the use of the Archaeological Short Report format is not mandatory and if you choose to complete a full written report, you may do so. The short report should be submitted the same way one would submit an archaeological records check or Phase 1a Reconnaissance report.

If you chose to use the Archaeological Short Report format, please note that all of the fields must be filled in and that handwritten forms will not be accepted. Incomplete or inaccurate forms will be returned to the submitter without comment. Additionally, upon review, the form may also be returned to the submitter with the request that a full written report be provided.

When asked to undertake an archaeological project, please make sure that you have documentation that authorizes that work. If the project is being conducted under Section 106, the client or lead federal agency should be able to provide you with a copy of documentation that the work is being required. If the project is being conducted on state property, you must have documentation that an approved plan (under Indiana Code [IC] 14-21-1) for the work has been issued. In addition, if the activity is to be conducted on private property, and isn’t conducted under Section 106, an approved plan under IC 14-21-1 is also required if any level of work beyond surface survey will be conducted. Always make sure that landowner permission has been obtained, and that curation issues have been addressed as well. It is also best if you carry the documentation requiring the investigation with you in the field in case you are questioned by law enforcement officials. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 317/232-1646.

Archaeological Qualifications

Archaeologists who wish to work in Indiana or conduct records checks must meet certain qualifications. Questions regarding these qualifications, and what information to submit, should be directed to Dr. Rick Jones, State Archaeologist, at (317) 232-1646.

To see the qualification requirements for work in Indiana, see:

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