Archeology in Vermont

Vermont has a remarkably rich and diverse archeological heritage that spans 12,000 years of human history. The sites range from Native American campsites used by Paleo-Indians (the earliest Vermonters), to 12th century Native American farming sites (the earliest known in northern New England). More typical are the small, largely invisible, Native American seasonal campsites that span both the very long period of prehistory and the shorter period of recorded history.

Vermont's prehistoric and historic archeological sites are a crucial link with much of our past. Archeological sites are often the only source of information for the longest part of human history in Vermont. Our archeological sites can also inform us about past environments, landscape changes, climatic changes, and the ways in which Native people and their cultures successfully adapted to such changes.

Vermont Archeology Frequently Asked Questions

For information on many common questions you may have about archeology in Vermont.

For Educators and Homeschoolers

See our Curricula & Lesson Plans page for lots of great resources.

For Landowners

As a landowner, you are the best steward of the archeological sites on your land. You can control what happens to your sites.

Publications & Readings

We’ve assembled a collection of interesting readings to further stimulate your interest in Vermont archeology, Vermont’s Abenakis and other Native communities, and early contact and settlement history.

Vermont Archeology Heritage Center

Artifacts and other cultural materials recovered from archeological sites tell the untold stories about 12,000 years of Vermont history, most of it unwritten. The Center is located in Barre at the Vermont History Center.

Protecting Unmarked Burials

Learn more about protecting our fragile Native American and early Euro-American unmarked burials.

Lake Champlain Voyages of Discovery

Learn about ancient Native settlements in the Champlain Valley, Native peoples’ first contacts with Europeans, Vermont’s 18th century French settlements, and more.