Gratitude for the Past: Preserving and Sharing Our Shared Story

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we at the Archaeological Research Institute (ARI) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, are reflecting on the many ways our shared past continues to shape who we are today. Every artifact unearthed, every site explored, and every student inspired reminds us that history is not just something to study — it’s something to experience, protect, and pass forward.

Education Through Preservation and Exploration

At ARI, our mission is to educate current and future generations about past cultures through the preservation and exploration of archaeological sites. We believe archaeology is more than the study of artifacts — it’s the study of people, creativity, and connection to the land.

By uncovering and interpreting the stories beneath our feet, ARI helps communities understand where we come from and how the lessons of the past continue to inform our future.

Connecting People to the Stories Beneath Their Feet

Located in the Great Miami River Valley, ARI serves as both a research center and a public learning hub for archaeological education in southeastern Indiana. Our work explores the deep history of this region — from the ancient Indigenous communities who lived along the riverbanks to later settlers who shaped the landscape we know today.

Through guided tours, hands-on workshops, and public excavations, visitors experience archaeology in action. Children uncover pottery fragments during summer camps. Families learn traditional skills like cordage making or fire starting. Adults explore experimental archaeology, discovering how ancient technologies reveal human ingenuity.

Learning That Lasts a Lifetime

Education is at the heart of ARI’s mission. We partner with schools, libraries, veteran groups, and community organizations to bring archaeology to life through our Hands-on History programs and field experiences. These opportunities connect science, history, and culture — encouraging curiosity and respect for the land beneath our feet.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

Each site ARI studies tells a story — one that could be lost without care and stewardship. By documenting and protecting archaeological sites across southeastern Indiana and the Ohio River Valley, we ensure that future generations can continue to learn from them. Preservation isn’t just about artifacts; it’s about honoring the people and traditions they represent.

As we pause this Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the stories that connect us across time and place — stories that remind us that the past is still with us, teaching and inspiring every day.

If you’d like to help ARI continue educating, exploring, and preserving the past for future generations, explore the website to learn more.