Missouri State Parks celebrates Archaeology Month Sept. 15 at Graham Cave State Park

For more information: 573-751-1010
Volume 40-210   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2012

 

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Celebrate September as Archaeology Month at a special Archaeology Day event Saturday, Sept. 15 at Graham Cave State Park near Danville. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Archaeology Day will be filled with fun and educational activities, including learning how the ancient tool, the atlatl (spear thrower), is made and used. After a short presentation, participants will be allowed to check their skills. Personal atlatls are welcome, but not required. Visitors can watch a demonstration of flintknapping, the ancient skill of making flaked stone tools, and learn about Missouri mammals and fur pelts. The Montgomery County Retired School Personnel Association will sponsor a booth will a variety of activities, including nut grinding.

Representatives from the University of Missouri’s Department of Anthropology will display artifacts and pictures from early excavations at Graham Cave. Descendants of the Graham family will display a collection of historical family pictures and artifacts from Graham Cave. A Missouri State Parks archaeologist will provide information about preservation efforts and recent research at Graham Cave.  

Graham Cave State Park is located two miles west of Danville off Interstate 70 (Exit 170) at 217 Highway TT. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-564-3476. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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