Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take home anything I find in the field/excavation/lab?

No, ARI needs to study all the artifacts that you help us uncover in the field and lab. This analysis will help us learn more about the groups of people we are researching. You can buy souvenirs in our gift shop, and take home any handouts we give you during your experience or tour.

What are your hours?

Learning Center Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

When is field season?

Middle of May through the end of October

Do you have activities for kids under 5?

No, currently our Jr. Programming is designed for youth ages 5-11, but we are exploring options.

Do you excavate/study human remains?

No, it is a matter of course at ARI that we avoid the finding and excavation of human remains.

Can I donate my artifact collection to you?

Not currently but we are working toward creating space for these valuable collections of artifacts and knowledge.

How can I become a volunteer?

See our Volunteer page for more information and to start the application process.

How do I get to the excavation site?

You can visit the excavation site by booking an experience with us or visiting our Base Camp in Lawrenceburg, IN for more information.

How can I support ARI?

You can support the mission of ARI by:

Volunteering
Memberships
Donations
Sponsorship
Purchase a Pass
Book an Experience
Come to an Event
Lastly, you can share our information with anyone else that might be interested in learning more about archaeology and what we do at ARI.

You can also work with our Director of Resource Development to learn more about planned giving, endowments and event sponsorship opportunities.

My family has a collection of artifacts, what should I do with it?

Bring them in to Artifact ID Day! We will help identify and place the artifacts, then we can advise you on the best way to store the artifacts or where you can safely donate them to.

What Tribes are the Fort ancient ancestors of?

The Ft. Ancient Culture is probably the ancestors of at least the myaamia (Miami), Shawanwa (Shawnee), Omaha, and Ogahpah (Quapaw). However there were most likely more tribes that descend from the Ft Ancient.

I may have found an artifact, burial or homestead on my property, what should I do?

Leave it as is, mark its GPS location and contact ARI. We can send one of our team to survey the area and the item. Each situation is different so the earlier you contact ARI the better. If you think you have found a burial and are unsure if it is old, call the police ASAP.

If I have an artifact what should I do with it?

Bring it to Artifact ID Day! We will help identify it then advise you on how to proceed from there!

Can you tell me how much an artifact is worth?

No, we do not price artifacts.