Illinois State Archaeological Survey

05/14/2026

Go to https://loom.ly/0b4Sk-s to learn more about the study.

What will Illinois lose as cities grow and landscapes change?

Researchers at the Illinois State Archaeological Survey found that land-use change, urban expansion, and climate-driven migration could destroy tens of thousands of archaeological and cultural sites across the state by 2100 — many of which are still undiscovered.

👉 Learn more using the link in the comments.

05/06/2026

The fourth episode of our Illinois Historic Bridge video series premieres next Thursday, May 14, at 11AM CST. 🚗

This installment features the bridge at Beardstown, IL. Discover how important the crossing was to the development of the Cass County region and how integral the bridge continues to be to the community today.

Watch the video 👉 https://youtu.be/6lJOgEh0IgM

02/05/2026

Apply now: https://loom.ly/ImNkEbg

⛏️ Principal Research Scientist/Associate Research Scientist, Archaeology -- Join Illinois State Archaeological Survey!
Develop, lead, and manage all levels of archaeological analysis, research, and review of publications! Apps due Mar. 2, 2026. 👉 Find the link to apply in the comments.

12/11/2025

Get your copy 👉 https://loom.ly/hXs_lRE

11/12/2025

See you this Saturday at the Museum of the Grand Prairie!

This Saturday from 1 - 4 PM, stop by the museum for a day of fun activities! The East Central Illinois Archaeological Society and Illinois State Archaeological Survey will be at our museum with a variety of educational offerings! 🏺🔍 See map for list of activities. We look forward to seeing everyone!

09/26/2025

The Indigenous peoples of Illinois had a deep understanding of the natural world, including the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. View our YouTube to learn more about the astronomy of Cahokia!

The Indigenous peoples of Illinois were careful observers of the sun, moon, and stars. The peoples of Cahokia built the Emerald Acropolis during the 11th cen...

09/23/2025

The federal government has twice promised Brooklyn, Illinois — Americas oldest Black town — money for preservation. And twice it has failed to deliver.

09/19/2025

Did you know that we have over 100 published reports available—64 of them free to download? 📚 Explore topics ranging from archaeological fieldwork to North America’s first Native city in "Revealing Greater Cahokia." 👉 Browse and download reports here: isas.illinois.edu/publications

09/12/2025

Illinois is home to hundreds of thousands of cultural heritage sites — but climate change is putting them at risk. ⏳ From erosion and flooding to development pressures, these irreplaceable links to the past face mounting threats. 👉 Watch a new video to learn how we are working to protect these sites.

Hundreds of thousands of cultural heritage sites in Illinois are under threat from the impacts of climate change. These sites are irreplaceable, tangible lin...

08/14/2025

🔗 Read the interview: https://loom.ly/GHjEj90

A new book from the Illinois State Archaeological Survey and Illinois Department of Transportation — "Archaeology of Illinois: The Deep History of the Prairie State" — offers a rich look at our state’s past. The book brings overlooked stories to light and helps readers explore our deep history through real sites across the state.

👉 Read an interview with one of the editors, Thomas Emerson, Illinois’ first State Archaeologist, using the link the comments.