Office of State Archaeology, Connecticut

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Office of State Archaeology, Connecticut

The Office of State Archaeology (OSA) was established by state legislation in 1987 to identify, manage, and preserve Connecticut's archaeological resources

The Office of State Archaeology (OSA) is housed within the Museum of Natural History/Connecticut Archaeology Center. The office was established by state legislation (CT G.S. Sec. 10a-112) in 1987 to identify, manage, and preserve Connecticut's archaeological resources. Toward this end OSA works with:

Developers and local municipal officials to review privately funded economic development projects

, such as subdivisions, golf courses, shopping centers, etc., to determine their potential impact on cultural resources, and to make recommendations that help encourage preservations of archaeological sites. OSA also provides technical assistance to help municipal officials develop local laws to protect the cultural resources in their town. Native American communities to help identify and preserve sacred sites, including burial grounds, and to provide for proper handling of Native American skeletal remains, and to assist in reburials in keeping with native traditions. Avocational archaeologists, professional archaeologists, and academics to provide research tools and technical information concerning archaeological issues in Connecticut, and to serve as a clearinghouse for archaelogical information in the State. Private non-profit organizations, such as land trusts and local historical organizations, to identify and help preserve cultural resources under their charge. Concerned private citizens to repond to questions about artifacts they have discovered, or potential cultural resources on their own property. Federal and State organizations such as the National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the Native American Advisory Council and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, Tourism, Culture, History and Film, to respond when Connecticut based archaeological resources are at issue. State Medical Examiners Office and Law Enforcement Agencies to provide technical assistance with skeletal remains older than 50 years, or those not necessarily associated with a crime, such as remains uncovered in an unmarked grave. MNH/OSA is identified by law as the official repository for the State's collection of over 500,000 anthropological artifacts, and is responsible for its continued conservation and curation for future generations. The State Archaeologist is also an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut and plays an ongoing role in CAC's educational programming for both professional and lay audiences.

03/24/2026

Join the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA) and OSA for FOSA’s annual meeting and lecture this Saturday March 28th at Farmington High School.

11/24/2025

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is looing for a new lab manager. Details can be found at the link below. Please share with anyone who might be interested and qualified!

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/MAS1015MPGE/JobBoard/e57544be-2cd1-43f7-9c51-7b84d30dbda0/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=9208643b-bb0a-4bae-9267-ab0f72e3b47e

11/10/2025

I’m saddened to share the passing of another friend and FOSA member, Jim Trocchi. Jim loved archaeology and provided invaluable assistance to OSA in the field, lab, and collections. His energy and kindness were boundless and we will miss him terribly.

View James J. Trocchi's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/15/2025

Join us on October 25th for a symposium on Wangunk History at Wesleyan University. Free and open to the public!

09/19/2025

The 2025 Connecticut Archaeology Fair will held on Saturday, October 4th - hope to see you there!

We are excited to partner with the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop this year to celebrate Archaeology Awareness Month. Join us and members of the archaeology community in exploring their work through demonstrations and a series of talks. There will be a flint knapping demonstration and family-friendly activites for children of all ages! This event is free and open to the public. Brought to you by: CT State Historic Preservation Office, Office of State Archaeology, Connecticut, and the Archaeological Society of Connecticut.

08/15/2025

08/13/2025

The Connecticut archaeological community lost one of the best this week. Scott’s passion for archaeology and his ability to connect with people was unmatched. He served as “right-hand man” to three state archaeologists and was truly the heart and soul of our community. We’ll all miss you, Scott.

View Scott M. Brady's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Address

354 Mansfield Road, Department Of Anthropology
Storrs, CT
06269

Website

http://osa.uconn.edu/

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