Sept. 23, 2005

Every year, the Michigan Historical Museum and the Office of the State Archaeologist  present one of the state's most anticipated archaeology events — Michigan Archaeology Day. This free event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Michigan Historical Museum in downtown Lansing.

Discussions, displays and demonstrations will help every age level to "dig in" to archaeology. The October event is part of a statewide celebration of Michigan Archaeology Month, proclaimed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

"Visitors can chat with archaeologists who will be stationed throughout the museum's second-floor galleries," said Phillip C. Kwiatkowski, director of the Michigan Historical Museum System. "There's nothing like speaking one-on-one with working archaeologists and learning their stories of how they found artifacts at underground sites or under water."

In the Forum Auditorium, archaeologists will offer more formal presentations of their research and findings:

·         Earthworks, Mounds and Monuments: New Research in Northern Michigan

11 a.m.

For more than 2,000 years, native peoples in Michigan used earth as a building material for structures serving important communal purposes. Presented by Meghan Howey, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan, this session will delve into recent research focused on the Missaukee Earthworks and Cut River Mounds in Missaukee and Roscommon counties. 

·         Archaeology of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

12:30 p.m.

A discussion of excavations at two habitation sites in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw County, which revealed a glimpse into Native American life from 100 B.C. to 500 A.D., during the Middle Woodland period. Presented by Jeff Sommer from the Historical Society of Saginaw County.

·         Saint's Rest: Excavating MSU's First Dormitory

2 p.m.

During Michigan State University's sesquicentennial, archaeologists excavated the remains of the university's first dorm — in use from 1856 until it burned 20 years later — and found there was much to learn about early campus life.  Dr. Jodie O'Gorman, MSU assistant professor of anthropology, and graduate students will present this overview of the project.

The museum has also scheduled a variety of family activities. Through demonstrations, story times and hands-on activities, children can explore the basics of archaeology and how native people made petroglyphs (rock carvings).  A special exhibit, "Second Childhood," will feature toys and school supplies found by archaeologists.  Of special interest is the rare opportunity to try to hit a target by using an atlatl, a spear-thrower used long ago by native peoples.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing. The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission and weekend parking are free.

Michigan Archaeology Day is sponsored by the Michigan Historical Museum, the Office of the State Archaeologist and the Friends of Michigan History.  A more detailed program and a complete list of Michigan Archaeology Month events around the state is available at www.michigan.gov/archaeology or by telephone at (517) 373-3559, TDD (517) 373-1592.

The Michigan Historical Museum System and the office of the State Archaeologist are divisions of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan heritage, and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.