Archaeology, the study of previous peoples, civilizations, and their lifeways through scientific analysis of remaining artifacts, is the primary focus of the Delaware Archaeology Museum.

Delaware Archaeology Museum exhibits examine the process of archaeology. This involves a great deal more than digging. Archaeology involves careful planning and the development of questions about the human past. Archaeologists then set about answering these questions by examining places containing the remains of our past, also known as "sites." In addition to layers of earth that form the sites where archaeologists dig, sites also contain artifacts. Artifacts are tangible material remains that people have left behind such as pottery sherds, stone flakes, broken window glass, and discarded oyster shell.

Because archaeology requires the integration of many disciplines, the museum's exhibits present a multi-faceted approach to the study of the human past. This includes the findings of anthropologists, osteologists (bone analysts), geologists, physical anthropologists, botanists, and many other scientific disciplines used in the identification and analysis of the archaeological record.

Lifeways of later peoples immigrating to Delaware are also examined through historical archaeology. Historical archaeologists use information from excavations and from historical documents to understand the past. Sites discussed include those occupied by Europeans and African-Americans and include colonial, military, maritime, and industrial sites.

Although historical archaeologists use information from written documents, archaeology is sometimes the only way to learn about the lives of many people. Come to the Delaware Archaeology Museum and learn how archaeological artifacts can help unlock the secrets of the state's past.