Why Archaeology?

Archaeological sites are the reservoir of more than 15,000 years of Pennsylvania history, from the first Paleo-Indians at the end of the Ice Age, to the European settlers who carved their farms and lives into Penn’s woods. More than 14,000  archaeological sites exist in the state in urban areas, and these sites are threatened by destruction each day as our society marches forward.

While archaeological sites contain important information about Pennsylvania’s heritage, most Pennsylvanians are not even aware of their presence. To protect sites, the state and federal governments have passed laws which affect those who may need federal or state funding for projects, permits for construction or mining, or development grants.

Archaeological sites are a hidden resource, one that needs to be preserved. Archaeologists provided this service, and in addition provided the public with an understanding of the past, and in turn a valuable connection to it. If we don’t know where we came from, how can we understand where we are going?