Project Archaeology operates through a national network of state and regional programs.
These programs offer workshops for educators, experiences for school groups and family learners at archaeological sites, museums, and visitor centers, and continuing support for teachers.
We are an educational organization dedicated to teaching scientific and historical inquiry, cultural understanding, and the importance of protecting our nation’s rich cultural resources. Our members are archaeologists, educators, and concerned citizens working to make archaeology education accessible to students and teachers nationwide through educational materials and professional development. This organization gives students a basic understanding of how archaeology works, and teaches them to respect and protect our nation’s rich cultural heritage. We provide services to school and museums educators, students of all ages, and archaeologists including: high-quality curricular materials which model authentic archaeological inquiry; professional development for educators and archaeologists; and support for educators through state and regional programs.
Be a part of this education adventure by making a one-time or monthly gift of $35.
Together, we inspire curiosity, confidence, and engagement as students investigate the past.
WE ENVISION A WORLD IN WHICH ALL PEOPLE UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THEIR OWN CULTURE AND HISTORY AND THOSE OF OTHERS.
Why Teach Archaeology Today?

Archaeologists ask questions rooted in the social sciences and research those questions using scientific methods. The fusion of social and physical sciences means that archaeology is an excellent way to teach students both scientific inquiry and cultural understanding. Studying the past gives us a rare chance to examine our place in time and forge links with the human continuum. Everyone can touch the past, but sadly our opportunities are disappearing. The number of sites that have not been disturbed or looted is dwindling at an alarming rate. Through Project Archaeology, educators can help the schoolchildren of today know and experience America’s rich cultural heritage as the adults of tomorrow.
10 REASONS TO CHOOSE PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGY
Resources needed to teach these interdisciplinary units are included in the teachers’ manuals.
High-interest reading material in science and social studies.
Investigations based on real archaeological sites and authentic data.
Students “meet” members of descendant communities through each investigation.
Inquiry-based lessons are aligned with national standards.
Active learning – with numerous opportunities for reading, writing, and discussing.
Social studies, science, and math lessons are embedded within the curriculum.
A variety of assessment tools are included.
A variety of online resources are available and updated regularly.
Culturally relevant curricula for underserved audiences.
BLOG POSTS
Knowing Shelter – Knowing People
Everyone needs shelter, but everyone has a different idea of what a shelter should look like. There are many reasons for the differences we see...Continue reading→
Beyond Thrilled
This year the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) honored us with the Excellence in Public Archaeology Programming Award. We are beyond thrilled, because it means awareness of our program can only grow. Continue reading→
End of the 35th Anniversary Year Giving
A gift of $35, either one-time or monthly, to our nonprofit partner, the Institute for Heritage Education, ensures that students continue to experience the excitement of discovering the past through the thrill of archaeological inquiry. Continue reading→
The Traveling Trowels
The Traveling Trowels have been invited to classrooms, on vacations, into workplaces. They have applauded educators who are using classrooms to connect learners with culture, shaping their students into stewards. The Trowels have discovered historic, heritage, and archaeological sites in 8 statesContinue reading→
PA Featured in American Archaeology Magazine
Project Archaeology was featured in the Fall 2023 issue of American Archaeology magazine (Vol. 27, No. 3) and the article is here for you to read. Continue reading→
Sponsor a Teacher
NEH Grant Award Terminated - Please consider sponsoring a teacher to attend "Voices of the Ancients Institute" workshops at Southern Utah University this Summer.Continue reading→
‘Olas Kii Pithouse: Background Information for Teachers and Archaeology Educators
The pithouse featured in this shelter investigation is based on one that was excavated at Honey Bee Village, north of Tucson, Arizona. Honey Bee Village is one of the largest Hohokam villages in the northern Tucson Basin.Continue reading→
Arizona Achieves: Developing Investigating an ‘Olas Kii Pithouse, a State-Specific Shelter Investigation
Arizona Achieves: Developing Investigating an ‘Olas Kii Pithouse, a State-Specific Shelter Investigation Investigating Shelter guides students through a complete investigation of an archaeological site using...Continue reading→
EVENT REPORT: National Archaeology Educators Conference
Staff, partners, and leaders of Project Archaeology hosted the National Archaeology Educators Conference (NAEC) at SUU in Cedar City, Utah, October 24 -27, 2024. Continue reading→
AWARD NEWS
ABOUT MR. JOHNSON Virgil's commitment to cultural connectedness and appreciation, to archaeology education, to community, and to country is evidenced throughout his life. His passionate...Continue reading→
