Explore Michigan Archaeology Day Oct. 24 in Lansing

If you have ever wondered what it's like to be an archaeologist, don’t miss the chance to find out! Attend Michigan Archaeology Day 2026 at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing Saturday, Oct. 24. 

“Archaeology is the scientific study of the human past, using places and artifacts to understand changing peoples and environments,” said Stacy Tchorzynski, director of archaeology for the Michigan History Center. “Archaeology Day is a fun way to get to know the field of archaeology and those who do this important work.”

Hosted by the Michigan History Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and Colonial Michilimackinac, the event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

Archaeologists and experts from other related fields will be stationed on the first and second floors of the Michigan History Museum to talk about their discoveries and answer your questions. There will also be plenty of cool things to do/try, demonstrations and two special presentations.

Hands-on activities

Participate in a variety of fun, family-friendly activities, including an Archaeology Roadshow. Bring in a find of your own, and our on-site experts will help you identify the object and explain how you can report potential archaeological sites. To support the preservation of archaeological artifacts and sites, no monetary values will be provided at this event.

Additionally, you can:

• Make and decorate your very own pottery using centuries-old techniques.
• Practice hitting a deer target using spears and an atlatl (spear thrower) like those used in Michigan forests thousands of years ago.
• Watch archaeologists demonstrate new survey technologies.
• Visit with flintknapping (a craft of shaping stone into tools) and bead and quillwork experts.
•  Play archaeology bingo and search for things like a trowel and shipwreck to earn a special prize.

Afternoon presentations

You can watch two special afternoon presentations in the Forum Auditorium on the first floor of the Michigan Library and Historical Center.

1-2 p.m.: Setting the Straits on Fire: Reconstructing Waganakising Fire History by Mae Wright, tribal historic preservation officer and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act representative for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

Fire stewardship is intrinsically linked to Anishinaabe cultural practices. This presentation will focus on a multipartner project working to understand how organized burns modified the landscape of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians homelands, also known as Waganakising.

The research team is reconstructing Waganakising fire history by interpreting the stories left behind on fire-scarred trees. This intersection of Western science and traditional ecological knowledge is where we find new ways of strengthening our understanding of Odawa presence and traditional land management practices, and how we can reintroduce fire to the Waganakising landscape.

2-3 p.m.: Historical Archaeology and the Battles of the River Raisin, Monroe, MI by John M. Chenoweth, professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

In January 1813, the small farming settlement along the River Raisin — present day Monroe — became the site of one of the deadliest American defeats of the War of 1812. The rallying cry “Remember the Raisin” would shape U.S. relations with Native Nations for generations. This talk uses UM-Dearborn's River Raisin Archaeological Project to show how historical archaeology (the archaeology of the last few centuries) recovers stories the documents leave out: the daily lives of the French-descended families who settled here from the 1780s, the battles that swept through their homes, and lasting consequences for the Wyandot, Potawatomi and other Nations of the “Old Northwest.”

Talk with exhibitors

The five floors of the Michigan History Museum take visitors on a walk through history. On Archaeology Day, the exhibits aren’t the only way to discover the stories of Michigan.

On the first and second floors of the museum, you will find exhibitors from a variety of organizations. Visit with representatives from state, federal and tribal agencies, colleges and universities, museums and more. Archaeologists and experts in similar fields will be ready to talk about their work and answer your questions.

Attendance information

Michigan Archaeology Day is suitable for all ages and open to anyone curious about archaeology – plus, it's free! There will be no entrance or parking fees for the museum during the event.

“We hope this event inspires future archaeologists,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center. “It’s the perfect chance to get to know archaeologists from across the state, immerse yourself in their work through hands-on activities and special demonstrations, and imagine for yourself what life was like through many of the things you’ll see, touch and use during this amazing day.”

Here is more helpful information about visiting the Michigan Library and Historical Center.

Questions?

For more on Archaeology Day, contact Shelby Spagnuolo (MHC) at 517-930-8493 or Stacy Tchorzynski (MHC) at 517-388-4657. 

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Explore archaeology: Get acquainted with the field of archaeology and those who do this important work at Michigan Archaeology Day, an annual event hosted at the Michigan History Museum with activities, presentations and exhibitors.
• Hands-on history: Michigan Archaeology Day, Oct. 24 in Lansing, includes a variety of hands-on activities suitable for both kids and adults.
• Visit with experts: Attendees will find archaeologists and experts from related fields throughout the first and second floors of the Michigan History Museum. 
•  Spear throwing: Kids practice hitting deer targets using a spear and an atlatl (spear thrower) like those used in Michigan forests thousands of years ago.