Philadelphia is a city with a rich archaeological heritage. PAF advises historians, architects, government officials, tourism concerns, and others about archaeological matters. Through its educational programs, PAF shares information about the city's archaeology with the general public. The Philadelphia Archaeological Forum (PAF) is dedicated to the protection and preservation of these resources.

Native American Sites in the City of Philadelphia

An online introduction to the first occupants of the City of Philadelphia and the archaeological legacy they left behind. There are currently only about a dozen such sites documented within the boundaries of the city, with the majority located in the peripheral, less disturbed parts of the city. Only four of these known sites have been identified to date within the core downtown parts of center city.

Featured PAF Member: Robert Schuyler

Meet the Curators: Robert L. Schuyler [pdf]: Associate Curator-in-Charge, Historical Archaeology Section," (University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology)
By Deborah I. Olszewski, Expedition, The Magazine of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.(2006) Volume 48(3), Pages 4-5.

Newly Published

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Witness to the Past: The Life and Works of John L. Cotter
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Philadelphia was home to John L. Cotter, a leader in the field of archaeology who is often thought of as a role model for current and future archaeologists. Cotter worked for the National Park Service in Philadelphia and at the University of Pennsylvania. He conducted and supervised archaeological research across the nation as well as here in the city, including within Independence Park. Read more...