State archaeologists on RAGBRAI, part of Iowa tour

From the University of Iowa news service:

IOWA CITY -- A team from the University of Iowa-based Office of the State Archaeologist will pedal the state and share Iowa history during the annual RAGBRAI bike ride, July 24-31.

At stops along the way and during the ride, the team will share information about the state's history and archaeological resources.

The outreach effort on RAGBRAI is part of Iowa Archaeology Month 2010: Touring Across Iowa's Past, a tour to increase awareness, understanding and protection of archaeological resources and heritage. Archaeology Month is sponsored by a $10,000 grant from Humanities Iowa.

More than 25,000 archaeological sites have been recorded in Iowa, and archaeologists estimate that 10 times that many have yet to be discovered. Artifacts are as many as 13,000 years old and include anything made or used by humans, such as tools, weaponry, dishes, burial mounds, or structures, according to information from the UI.

People on RAGBRAI want to have fun, but they also are interested in learning about Iowa, State Archaeologist and UI adjust faculty John Doershuk said.

This year, the team includes five archaeologists, an outreach team, and partners from other organizations. They will set up booths in Sioux City, rural Quimby near Cherokee, Dike in Grundy County, and Quasqueton in Buchanan County. Information at the stops will be customized around archaeological features in the area. Presenters also plan to demonstrate stone toolmaking.