September 30, 2003

Mackinaw City, Mich.- Visitors to Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City can take an up-close look at the United States' longest ongoing archaeological dig during Archaeology Day, Saturday, Oct. 11.  Archaeologists Dr. Lynn Evans and Yolanda Rico will be on hand to talk to guests at the current excavation site inside the reconstructed trading outpost and military fort.

Dr. Evans will lead a tour of the reconstructed colonial village and fort at 10:30 a.m. and will present "Archaeology at Michilimackinac," a slide talk show, at 2:30 p.m. in the Visitor's Center.

Every summer since 1959, a team of archaeologists has hunkered down into the sand near the base of the Mackinac Bridge and excavated the site of a 1715 fort and trading outpost.  Based on their work, a reconstructed colonial village has grown up around them, with 20-foot-high palisades and a dozen structures including row houses, a church and a blacksmith shop.

Historic interpreters dressed as British Redcoats, colonials and Native Americans populate the living history museum, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Archaeology Day at Colonial Michilimackinac runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, and is included in the regular admission price of $9.00 for adults, $5.75 for youths (6-17) and free for children 5 and under.  Mackinac State Historic Parks presents Archaeology Day as part of Michigan Archaeology Month 2003.  Information about Archaeology Month programs and events throughout Michigan is available online at www.michigan.gov/hal or by calling (517) 373-3559.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is a family of living history parks and museums in the Straits of Mackinac, including Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park, Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. For more information call (231) 436-4100 or visit www.MackinacParks.com on the Web.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  

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