Artifacts studied by archaeologists include a variety of items from prehistoric stone tools to historic ceramics.  These artifacts may be found in the ground or may even have an above-ground component (such as an 1830s frame dwelling). 

Prehistoric archaeology is the study of past peoples that lived prior to the advent of the written record.  Historical Archaeology is the study of the more recent past--a time period when written records appear and is generally identified as beginning in 1673 in Illinois (at which point in time European travelers first entered what was to become the State of Illinois).

Although many individuals often perceive of archaeology being conducted within such exotic locations as central Mexico, or the Valley of Kings in Egypt, Illinois has a varied and extensive archaeological resource base that has been professionally studied for many decades.  Much of today's archaeology is conducted under the guise of cultural resource management (also known as CRM). 

Prior to the 1980s, most archaeology conducted in Illinois was conducted by academics through the auspices of centers of higher education (predominately through the state universities).  Today, much of the archaeology done in Illinois is conducted by private industry to meet state and federally mandated requirements established to protect our natural and cultural environments.  These firms, which are generally not associated with state universities, offer their clients a timely service not linked to the academic schedule.