Leon Hostetler was a retired school teacher and high school counselor in southeastern Indiana.  He was also an avid avocational archaeologist.  In addition to working for various archaeological consulting firms, Leon volunteered his knowledge and archaeological abilities at sites throughout the Midwest, but particularly in Indiana.  He volunteered at excavations in New Harmony Indiana, the Lanier Mansion (Madison, IN), Slack Farm (Union Co., KY), Bone Bank and Hovey Lake (Posey County, IN), the Strawtown Site at Koteewi Park, and many others, working with the Indiana State Museum, Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, the Kentucky Heritage Council, and various avocational groups in Indiana.  He died while volunteering at a site in Indiana.

Leon Hostettler digging at Hovey Lake

To honor his spirit of volunteerism, the Indiana Archaeology Council has set up the Leon Hostetler Fund.  This fund provides monies to reimburse costs incurred by individuals or groups that are volunteering at excavations within the state of Indiana.  These costs may include mileage reimbursement, meals, housing, etc.  The mechanism for applications and disbursements of the fund are currently being worked out.

If you are interested in applying for funds please contact James Heimlich (President) or Jeff Plunkett (Treasurer).

If you’d like to make a donation please send cash or a check payable to “Indiana Archaeology Council” to the following address:

          Indiana Archaeology Council
          c/o Jeff Plunkett
          205 Angela Court
          Noblesville, Indiana 46062

If you prefer to pay online just click on the “Donate” button in the sidebar on the right.