Dale Simpson of the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute will present “Diggin’ Illinois: A hands-on introduction to the fascinating archaeological record of Illinois.” The meeting will be held on February 13th, 2026 at 8:00 PM via Zoom.
Illinois has a rich and varied archaeological record that spans some 13,000 years. In this hybrid presentation, we will first explore this record in lecture format, then interact with hands-on stations that include different archaeological materials from the Land of Lincoln. After experiencing “Diggin’ Illinois”, participants will foster a better appreciation for our state’s culture history, in addition to the materials archaeologists find during excavation. Altogether, this presentation will help celebrate Illinois’ past, in the present, for the future.
Dr. Dale F. Simpson Jr. is an anthropological archaeologist with over 20 years of professional experience and more than 16 years of teaching in higher education. His work bridges the humanities and STEAM education through archaeology, outreach, and applied research.
Dr. Simpson has conducted archaeological research in the United States, Canada, Russia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaiʻi, Australia, and Easter Island (Rapa Nui). He is Director of the Rapa Nui Geochemical Project and Illinois Simpson Archaeology, and has worked with institutions including the Field Museum of Natural History and the University of Queensland.
Since 2001, Dr. Simpson’s research has focused on Rapa Nui, with publications and presentations on its archaeology, geochemistry, material culture, and monumental architecture. His doctoral research examined ancient Rapa Nui social and economic interaction through the movement of basalt across the island.
Dr. Simpson also brings extensive experience in cultural resource management, serving as a subject-matter expert for Section 106 compliance and Section 707 coordination in support of statewide transportation projects. His work emphasizes early identification of cultural resource concerns, regulatory consistency, and effective interagency coordination.
He is Editor-in-Chief of Illinois Antiquity, a Registered Professional Archaeologist, a member of the Illinois National Register Advisory Council and a Board Member for the Illinois Association for Advancement of Archaeology and the Chicago Archaeological Society.
Esconi Host is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: ESCONI General Meeting Feb 13, 8:00PM
Time: Feb 13, 2026 08:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86225958955?pwd=OyTOuN09qh4cIiTHyAHeP2R0Rtf5b5.1
Meeting ID: 862 2595 8955
Passcode: 772944
—
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86225958955#,,,,*772944# US (Chicago)
+13092053325,,86225958955#,,,,*772944# US
Join instructions
Leave a Reply