ARKANSAS ARCHEOLOGY MONTH
EVENTS
- March 2003 -
Theme:
Archeology &
the Louisiana Purchase
Sponsors:
Arkansas Archeological Survey
Arkansas Archeological Society
Arkansas Archeological Survey
2475 N. Hatch Ave., Fayetteville, 479-575-3556
(west of Garland across from Agri Park)
• Slide Talk: Diverse Identities in Ozark
History: Historical Archaeology at Van Winkle's Mill
March 25, 7:00p
Archeologist Jamie Brandon will discuss his research of the Benton Co.
site at the meeting of the Kokoci Chapter of the Ark. Archeological Society.
Public is invited.
Arkansas Post Museum
5530 Hwy. 165 S., Gillett, 870-548-2634
• Program: Traces of the Purchase
March 8, all day, see below for highlights:
1) Encampments: Quapaw and European Explorers; 10:00a-5:00p
2) Artifact Identification; 10:00a-12:00p, 1:00-4:00p
3) Archeologists' Discussion on Camp Remains; 12:00p
4) Native American Drumming; 2:00p
5) Exploring the Explorers: Humorous program on future archeology of the
camps; 4:00p
• Encampment: LaSalle Claiming the Arkansas River
March 15-16, call for details.
Arkansas Post National Memorial
1741 Old Post Rd., Gillett, 870-548-2207
(at Visitor Center, Ark. 169, via U.S. 165)
• Exhibit: Archeology of Bright's Trading House
& Montgomery's Tavern
March 1-31, 8:00a-5:00p
Exhibit will include photos and artifacts from the archeological explorations
of the sites. Artifacts will illustrate life and industry in Arkansas
during the years following the La. Purchase. The Territorial Legislature
met for the 1st time in Montgomery's Tavern in 1819.
• Slide Talk: Arkansas Fur Trade Factory, 1805-1810
March 8, 2:00p
Following the La. Purchase, the U.S. established a fur trading factory
at Arkansas Post in 1805. Intended to stimulate a positive relationship
with the Quapaw and other Native groups, the trading post was a financial
failure and lasted only 5 years. Learn about this fascinating aspect of
the Post's history in a talk led by ranger Eric Leonard.
• Children's Workshop: Arkansas River Fur Trade
March 8, 3:30p
Discover why the fur trade brought hunters, traders, and trappers to Arkansas.
Learn why fur was a valuable item and the different way in which people
used it. The use of felted furs to make hats, etc., will be explored in
a hands-on activity.
Note: Ages 5 & up. Limited to 25; call for reservations.
Arkansas School for Math
& Sciences
200 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs, 870-230-5510
• Slide Talk: Title TBA
March 11, 7:00p
Chris Davies, archeologist with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Little
Rock, will present a talk at the March meeting of the Ouachita Chapter
of the Ark. Archeological Society. Public is invited.
Arkansas State University
Museum
On campus, Rm. 182, Jonesboro, 870-972-2071
• Slide Talk: Wrecks & Relics of Early Arkansas
& Missouri
March 12, 7:00p
Sponsored by the AAS, Central Missississippi Valley Archeological Society,
Dr. Michael Dougan will talk about history and prehistory of the area,
with a special focus on characters of the Louisiana Purchase era.
Arkansas Tech University
ATU Museum & Survey Station, Tucker Hall;
411 W. N St., on campus, Russellville, 479-964-0826
(El Paso entry, left on West L, right on West M, left to parking lot)
• Open House: Archeology & the Louisiana Purchase
March 8, 9:00a-4:00p, tours at 9:30a, 1:30p
Louisiana Purchase-themed Open House at the Museum and Archeological Survey
Station with tour of family activity stations (early 1800s lifeways, weaving,
sock moccasins, tribal bingo) and demonstrations of blowguns and artifact
identification.
Fee: $2 per child; limit of 25 children per tour.
Bella Vista Museum
1885 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista, 479-855-1970
(corner of Hwy. 71 and Kingsland Rd.)
• Exhibit & Videos: Arkansas Archeology
Month
All March, Exhibits Thurs-Sun, 1:00-4:00p; Videos Sun, 2:00p
The exhibits will feature artifacts, including bags and clothing, from
the Hay Bluff site, and the making of a Rice point. The videos will be
"Crossroads of the Past," "First Americans," and "Geology
of Arkansas."
Cane Creek State Park
Hwy 293 E. from Star City, 870-628-4714
(at the volley ball pit)
• Workshop: Mock Historical Dig
March 8, 10:00a-2:00p
Archeologists form Michael Baker Jr. Inc. will assist participants in
excavating a mock historical site, while teaching basic excavation techniques
and archaeological theory.
Children's Museum of Arkansas
1400 W. Markham, Ste. 200, Little Rock, Historic Union Station, 501-374-6655
• Exhibit & Program: Life in the Wild Woods
All March, Mon-Fri beginning at 9:30a
What was life like in the Arkansas land in 1803 at the time of the Louisiana
Purchase? Ben, an old trapper and trader, leads kids on a journey into
the wilds of Arkansas.
Note: By reservation, groups of 10 or more, $4 per child
Cleveland County Historical
Society
Sturgis Library, Rison, 870-325-6623
• Slide Talk: Chester Ashley, Early Arkansas Lawyer &
U.S. Senator: Excavations at his Mansion Site in Downtown Little Rock
March 13, 7:00p
Mary Farmer, Arkansas Archeological Survey, will discuss the research
on the Ashley Mansion site, covering 100 years of Arkansas history as
the site went from a home, to a Civil War headquarters, to a hotel.
Fort Smith National Historic
Site & Ft. Smith Museum of History
301 Parker Ave., Ft. Smith, 479-783-3961
320 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith, 479-783-7841
(from Rogers Ave., turn south on 4th, west on Garland)
• Exhibit: Belle Point: Beyond the Place
March 9-April 6, 9:00a-5:00p
Belle Point was the site of the first fort. Objects, images, and documents
will show how Belle Point and the name have been used by different groups
for different reasons. The exhibit encourages area residents to explore
the multi-layered history of a local landmark.
Fee: $3.00
• Exhibit Opening Program: Belle Point
March 9, 1:00-4:00p
Activities will be held at both locations to celebrate the history of
Belle Point and its significance in the community.
Fee: No charge for programs held at the Ft. Smith Museum of History.
Fort Smith National Historic
Site
301 Parker Ave., Ft. Smith, 501-783-3961
(from Rogers Ave., turn south on 4th, west on Garland)
• Children's Workshop: Coil Pottery
March 15, 9:30-10:30a, 1:30-2:30p, 3:30-4:30p
Park Ranger Julie Northrip will teach children the basic techniques of
making a coil pot.
Note: Call for reservations.
• Children's Workshop: Painting at the Point
March 29, 9:30-10:30a, 1:30-2:30p, 3:30-4:30p
The site of the first fort, Belle Point, provides a beautiful view of
the Arkansas & Poteau Rivers. Using watercolors, children will create
their own images of the scenic location.
Note: Call for reservations.
Garland County Library
1427 Malvern, Hot Springs, 501-623-4161
• Exhibit: Arkansas Before the Louisiana Purchase
All March, regular library hours
An exhibit of artifacts and images that showcase the diversity of Indian
cultures in Arkansas before the time of the Louisiana Purchase will be
on display. The exhibit is sponsored by the Ouachita Chapter of the Ark.
Archeological Society.
Hampson Museum
#2 Lake Drive, Wilson, 870-655-8622
• Workshop: Gourd Workshop
March 8, 10:00a-2:00p
Native peoples both before and after the Louisiana Purchase used natural
materials to make containers, as did early settlers. Come to this workshop
and learn to make your own gourd crafts from Arkansas State Parks staff.
Fee: Call Museum for cost.
Lake Catherine State Park
1200 Catherine Park Rd., Hot Springs, 501-844-4176
• Demonstration: Cooking with No Kitchen!
March 15, 10:00a-1:00p
Park Interpreter Glynda Pryor will demonstrate the skills and art of Dutch-oven
cooking.
Northwest Arkansas Community
College
One College Dr., Bentonville, 479-636-9222
(I-540 to Exit 86, east to campus)
(Central Education Center, Room #1432)
• Slide Talk: Health of the Louisiana Territory's
People: Cultural Transitions as Revealed Through Bioarcheology
March 10, 2:00p
Bryan Renfro, NWACC anthropology & forensic science professor, will
talk on the health of Native populations at the time of the La. Purchase
based on skeletal evidence.
• Slide Talk: Lewis & Clark: Heroes or Villains?
March 11, 2:00p
Chris Huggard, NWACC history professor, will discuss Lewis & Clark's
exploration of the lands associated with the La. Purchase.
• Lecture: The Amazing Deal: Negotiating
and Making the Louisiana Purchase
March 12, 7:00p
Greg Kiser, NWACC history professor, will tell the story of when Jefferson
sent Monroe & Livingston to Paris to buy New Orleans and its environs.
Northwest Arkansas Community
College Library
One College Dr., Bentonville, 479-619-4206
(I-540 to Exit 86, east to campus)
• Exhibit: Arkansas & the Louisiana
Purchase
Feb. 17 - March 17, regular library hours
Display featuring Louisiana Purchase information plus books on early Arkansas
peoples, history & exploration.
Old Davidsonville State
Park
7953 Hwy. 166 S., Pocahontas, 870-892-4708
• Workshop: Flintknapping
March 29, 10:00a-3:00p
Guest speaker Ben Swadley will discuss the history and background of flintknapping,
the uses and types of different points, and the methods of making chipped
stone tools.
Fee: $25, limit of 10, pre-registration required.
Note: Bring a sack lunch.
Parkin Archeological State
Park
#60 Hwy. 184 N., Parkin, 870-755-2500
• Workshop: Primitive Pottery
March 15, 10:00a-2:00p
Native Americans made and used pottery vessels as part of their everyday
life. This workshop will teach you how to use natural materials and methods
to create your own "ancient" work of art.
Fee: $20
• Demo: Ready to Dye: Natural Dyeing Demo
March 15, 10:00a-2:00p
Watch as park interpreter Barbara Miller transforms everyday plants into
natural dyes through a boiling process over an open outdoor fire.
• Program: Artifact Identification Day
March 16, 1:00-4:00p
Archeologists from the Arkansas Archeological Survey will be on hand to
take a look at your artifacts from the area. Prehistoric artifacts only,
please.
Pine Bluff-Jefferson County
Historical Museum
201 E. 4th St., Pine Bluff, 870-541-5402
• Slide Talk: Jefferson County in the Era of the
Louisiana Purchase
March 6, 4:00p
Dr. John House, Survey/UAPB archeologist will present a talk with artifacts
of what was happening in the Jefferson County area during the La. Purchase
period.
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie
Conservation Education Center (Ark. Game & Fish Commission)
1685 CR 35N, Columbus, 800-983-4219
(off Highway 73 between Saratago & Hope)
• Archeology Open House
March 8, 9:00a-3:00p; March 9, 1:00-4:00p
Interpretive tours of the Caddo site, and display of site artifacts and
reference materials. Tentative bow-making workshop and flint knapping
demonstration.
Fee: Call for information.
Rogers Public Library
711 S. Dixieland Rd., Rogers, 479-936-5488, ext. 25.
• Children's Workshop: Pinch Pots & Coil Pots
March 8, 2:00p
Maura Miller, Terra Studios, will lead a workshop for middle school students
to learn the art of pinch and coil pottery making.
Note: Limited to 15; call to preregister.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, 479-750-8165
• Film: The Forgotten Expedition
March 29, 12:00p
The AETN documentary tells the story of William Dunbar & George Hunter
and the almost forgotten expedition sent by Thomas Jefferson to explore
the southern La. Purchase in 1804-1806. The film's producers, UA Journalism
professors Larry Foley & Dale Carpenter will be present for a Q&A
after the showing.
Note: Sack lunch available for $3.
• Workshop: Artifact Identification
March 29, 1:00p
Archeologists Jerry Hilliard, Jamie Brandon, & James Davidson will
conduct an artifact i.d. workshop. Bring your historic or prehistoric
artifacts.
Southern Arkansas University
100 E. University, Magnolia, 870-235-4230
(Curriculum Center, Magale Library)
• Slide Talk: TBA
March 4, 7:00p
The Kadohadacho Chapter of the Ark. Archeological Society invites the
public to attend their monthly meeting and presentation.
Springdale Public Library
1205 W. Maple, Springdale, 479-750-8180
• Program: Introduction to Archaeology
March 6, 3:45p
Barley Parks, education assistant at the Shiloh Museum, will present the
program with emphasis on Native Americans in Arkansas. An arts-&-crafts
activity for 8-12 year olds will follow.
• Slide Talk: Rock Art in Arkansas
March 27, 3:45p
Michelle Berg Vogel, Arkansas Archeological Survey, will talk about the
extensive work that has been done at various rock art sites in Petit Jean
State Park, located in central Arkansas. An arts-&-crafts activity
for 8-12 year olds will follow.
Texarkana Museums System
219 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, 903-793-4831
• Exhibit: 3¢ an Acre: The Louisiana Purchase
& Western Exploration
March 1-May 31, Tues-Sat 10:00a-4:00p
Exhibit displaying maps and diaries related to exploration. Also, photos
and descriptions of diplomats that negotiated La. Purchase. Programs and
demos will be presented during the exhibit.
Fee: $4 adults, $3 children
Toltec Mounds Archeological
State Park
490 Toltec Mounds Rd., Scott, 501-961-9442
(10 m. south of Little Rock on U.S. Hwy. 165)
• Workshop: Pine Needle Basketry
March 8, 10:00a-2:00p
Discover how to make beautiful Native American style baskets with class
instructor Valerie Goetz, a member of the Muskogee Nation of Florida.
Materials provided.
Fee: $25, reservations required.
• Workshop: Navajo Sandpainting
March 15, 10:00a-12:00p
The Navajo art of sandpainting was practiced as a religious ceremony.
Participants will gain an appreciation of the art by creating their own
works with materials provided.
Fee: $12, reservations required.
• Workshop: Dreamcatchers
March 22, 10:00a-12:00p
Learn how to make a dreamcatcher of your own with Valerie Goetz, (Muskogee
Nation of Florida). Materials provided.
Fee: $15, reservations required.
• Program: Spring Equinox Celebration
March 22, 3:00p-sunset
Beginning at 3:00p, visitors can participate in Native American tools
and weapons demos. At 4:00p, Survey archeologist Dr. Martha Rolingson
will present a slide talk on the alignment of the mounds with solar events.
Following the talk, park interpreters will lead a guided tour of the site.
Fee: $3 adults; $2 children (6-12)
• Workshop: Flintknapping
March 29, 10:00a-4:00p
Gain knowledge of the Native American art of flintknapping with some of
Arkansas's finest knappers. Learn basic terminology, knapping techniques,
heat-treating processes, and tool of the trade. Basic tools and handouts
are provided. Starter kits, books, and videos will be available for purchase.
Fee: $45, (ages 18 & up), reservations required.
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Anthropology Dept.
On campus, Old Main 324, Fayetteville, 479-575-2508
• Colloquium: Indians of Colonial Louisiana
March 12, 3:30p
Survey/UA archeologist Dr. George Sabo III will examine the role of Arkansas
Indians in the formation of the Louisiana Colony under French & Spanish
dominions, and the impact of European colonization on Indian cultures.
• Colloquium: The Louisiana Purchase: Nationalism,
Historical Memory & America's Expansion
March 26, 3:30p
Archeologist Jamie Brandon will discuss the historical implications of
the La. Purchase, its role in American expansion, and how it was remembered
at its centennial, the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
University of Arkansas-Monticello
Forestry Conference Center, Chamberlin Forestry Bldg., UAM campus, 870-460-1290
• Program: Louisiana Purchase Archeological Roundtable
March 4, 7:00p
A panel of regional archeologists will display & discuss artifacts
and graphics relevant to SE Arkansas and NE Louisiana during the period
of the La. Purchase. Sponsored by the AAS Tunican Chapter; moderated by
Survey/UAM archeologist Dr. Marvin D. Jeter.
Washington County Historical
Society
Headquarters House, 118 E. Dickson, Fayetteville, 479-521-2970
• Lecture: Before Lewis & Clark: European
Discovery of the North American Interior
March 3, 7:00p
To be given by Dr. David Sloan, professor, UA History Department.
• Lecture: Indians in Colonial Louisiana
March 10, 7:00p
To be given by Dr. George Sabo, archeologist, Ark. Archeological Survey
& UA Anthropology Dept.
• Lecture: (Tentative) Arkansas Post Before & After
the La. Purchase
March 24, 7:00p
To be given by Laura Soulliere Gates, former superintendent of Arkansas
Post National Memorial.
• Lecture: Archibald Yell: Hero of the 19th Century
Frontier
March 31, 7:00p
To be given by author William Hughes.
