September 24, 2003

What is the latest news from the past 10,000 years?  Learn the fascinating answers in October as archaeologists showcase their findings during Michigan Archaeology Month.

In support of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's declaration of October 2003 as Michigan Archaeology Month, the Office of the State Archaeologist has taken the lead in coordinating a month of activities, exhibits and events to promote the study, preservation and interpretation of Michigan's archaeological resources.

"All the sponsoring agencies wanted to give people a variety of opportunities to understand the wealth and complexity of Michigan archaeology," said Barbara Mead, assistant archaeologist in the Office of the State Archaeologist.  "Throughout the month and across the state, people will be able to talk with archaeologists, see what they have found underground or under water, and hear what they have learned about Michigan's archaeological past."

Special October archaeology events are planned at 11 locations across the state.

Lower Peninsula
 

• Alpena - The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve features the Shipwrecks of Thunder Bay exhibit daily at its visitor center.
   
• Grayling - The Michigan Forest Visitor Center in Hartwick Pines State Park features a month-long exhibit about logging-camp excavations.
   
• Jonesville - Visitors can watch as an archaeologist searches in Jonesville City Park for remains of the city's first log jail (Oct. 11-12).
   
• Lansing - The Michigan Historical Museum hosts its eighth annual Michigan Archaeology Day on Oct. 11, with special one-day displays and activities for the family.
   
• Mackinaw City - Michilimackinac Archaeology Day takes place at Colonial Michilimackinac on Oct. 11. 
   
• Okemos - The Nokomis Learning Center presents the special exhibit, Native American Technologies of Michigan, Tuesdays through Saturdays during October; and a children's workshop, "Michigan's Native Heritage," on Oct. 25.
   
• Pontiac - "Archaeology in Oakland County" is the topic of a workshop for museum staff, teachers, history fans and local citizens on Oct. 25 at the Wisner School House.  Call (248) 370-2434 to register.
   
• Saginaw - The exhibit, Ice Melts to Beaver Pelts: The Great Archaeological Story of the Saginaw Valley, opens at the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History on Oct. 4 and runs through June 13, 2004.  On Oct. 5, the museum hosts the Michigan Archaeological Society Fall Workshop.
  

Upper Peninsula
 

• Garden - On Oct. 10, walking tours inside Fayette State Park introduce visitors to archaeology at Fayette Historic Townsite, the remains of a late-19th-century industrial company town.  Pre-registration is required for the tours, scheduled at 11 a.m. and
  1:30 p.m.  Pre-register by calling (906) 644-2411.
   
• Houghton - Michigan Technological University presents "Industrial Archaeology at Michigan Technological University," a program by Dr. Timothy Scarlett, at 7 p.m. on
  Oct. 15.
   
• Negaunee - On Oct. 10, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum offers visitors walking tours of the Carp River Forge archaeological site, known as "the birthplace of Michigan's iron industry."   Pre-register for the tours, scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., by calling (906) 475-7857. 

For complete information on Michigan Archaeology Month programs - including hours, fees, location and registration - go to www.michiganhistory.org and click on "October is Michigan Archaeology Month" or call the Office of the State Archaeologist at (517) 373-6416.

The Office of the State Archaeologist is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  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.