• Introduction
• Letter from the National Geographic Society
• Letter from the
  Society for
  American Archaeology
• Message from Secretary of the Interior B. Babbitt
• Chapter 1 Adventure in the Depths of Time
• Chapter 2 The Science of Archaeology
• Chapter 3 Archaeology as Career or Avocation
• Chapter 4 Preserving the Past for the Future
• Chapter 5 Archaeology and the Law
• Learning more about Archaeology
  • Reading about Archaeology
  • Magazines and Journals about Archaeology
  • Movies, TV Programs, and Videos about Archaeology
  • Visiting Archaeology
  • "Doing" Archaeology
  • Contacts about Archaeology
• Archaeology & You Credits

Visiting Archaeology

There are thousands of archaeological sites and museums that interpret archaeological remains throughout the country. These sites and museums are operated by federal, state, tribal, local, and private organizations. Archaeology magazine publishes in each issue a listing of current archaeological exhibitions at museums. It also publishes two travel guides each year: The March-April issue lists sites in the Old World that can be visited or at which volunteers can excavate. A similar listing in the May-June issue provides information about opportunities in North, Middle, and South America.

The most complete listings of archaeological sites and museums in America north of Mexico that welcome visitors are found in two recent books: America's Ancient Treasures (fourth revised and enlarged edition, 1995) by Franklin Folsom and Mary Eiting Folsom, published by the University of New Mexico Press; and Exploring Ancient Native America: An Archaeological Guide by David Hurst Thomas, published by MacMillan in 1994. Many entries in both books have detailed descriptions of the exhibits and archaeological remains at the sites or museums.

Some regional archaeological travel guides also have been published. For the American Southwest, David Grant Noble's Ancient Ruins of the Southwest: An Archaeological Guide (Northland Publishing Company, Flagstaff, Arizona, 1991) covers over 50 parks and sites that can be visited. About the eastern United States, Jerry N. McDonald and Susan L. Woodward have published two guides: Indian Mounds of the Middle Ohio Valley (1986) and Indian Mounds of the Atlantic Coast (1987), both published by McDonad and Woodward Publishing Company, Newark, Ohio, The former describes over 40 Adena and Hopewell sites that can be visited, and also summarizes the chronology, geography, and characteristics of these ancient cultures. The latter guide describes over 40 publicly accessible archaeological sites from Maine to Florida and includes a summary of the prehistory and characteristics of Indian mounds and other sites that exist throughout this area.

For additional information on ways that you can become involved locally visit:

• State Archeology Weeks and Months (NPS): Every year most states in the U.S. now sponsor a variety of archeological activities during one week or month of the year. Check out whether your state sponsors an Archeology week or month and find out the opportunities available to you.
• Guides to Archeological Sites and Museums (NPS): Throughout the country you can learn about diverse people and cultures by visiting archeological sites and Museums. Use this page guide to help you get started learning more.
• Ancient Architects of the Mississippi (NPS): Eight hundred years ago, the lower Mississippi Delta was home to some of the most highly organized civilizations in the world. This feature tells you about life along the Mississippi at that time, builders of great mounds, and the activities of travelers and traders. It also provides with a myriad of voices about the Delta's past.
• Archeological Research in the Parks (NPS): Many national parks have active archeological programs. Learn about the exciting results of archeological projects in some of your favorite parks by clicking on the state of your choice.
• Southeast Archeological Center (NPS): For over thirty years, the Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC) has carried out a tradition of archeological research, collections and information management, and technical support for national park units located in the southeastern U.S. and beyond.