Monday, April 6, 2009

Dig Into the Past at Fernbank Museum’s Archaeology Day

Take an exciting journey into Georgia’s past with archaeology-themed activities and special demonstrations at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Archaeology Day on Saturday May 2, 2009 in support of Georgia Archaeology Awareness Month.

Archaeology Day participants will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including pottery demonstrations, ancient weaponry displays, sifting and mending artifacts, discussions with archaeologists, prehistoric Native American games of Chunkey, and arts and crafts.

Visitors also will get a glimpse at how archaeologists were able to piece together 5,000 years of human history by examining ancient pottery in Fernbank’s newest permanent exhibition Conveyed in the Clay: Stories from St. Catherines Island. The exhibit showcases the progression of design, function, and decoration found in pottery to reveal what it tells archaeologists about the Native American lifestyle, including how they adapted to changes in natural and cultural conditions.

Archaeology Day supports Georgia Archaeology Awareness Month’s message of educating the public about the significance of protecting and preserving Georgia’s archaeological sites and is offered as part of Fernbank’s Family Fun Day programming series.

Archaeology Day will be held at Fernbank Museum of Natural History on Saturday May 2, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is included with Museum admission. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and for all Museum members. All Scouts in uniform can receive $6 off the price of a child’s admission. Resources for earning scout badges and belt loops are available for download at www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. Visitor information and tickets are available at fernbankmuseum.org or 404.929.6400.

Support for Fernbank’s Archaeology Day is provided by the WSB-TV Family 2 Family Project: AirTran Airways, Kroger, Northside Hospital and SCANA Energy.

Archaeology Day Scheduled Activities:

Archaeology Screening and Mending Activity
Act like an archaeologist as you sift through dirt and sand to find artifacts, and try your hand at piecing them back together.

Society for Georgia Archaeology
Enjoy hands-on activities guided by real archaeologists.

Pottery Demonstration
See a master at work and create your own clay masterpiece to take home.

Ancient Weaponry
Discover how ancient weapons were created using primitive tools and technologies. Darts, spear heads, and a variety of other tools will be on display.

War of 1812 Display
Artifacts from the War of 1812 from a local Georgia Archaeology site will be on display including buttons, mini ball bullets, and a variety of other artifacts.

Ask the Archaeologists
Learn about Fernbank’s newest collection Conveyed in Clay: Stories from St. Catherines Island in this special informal Q & A session.

Tool Demonstrations
Use modified versions of ancient tools to practice sharpening and slicing techniques.

Chunkey Game (Weather permitting)
Try your hand at playing this ancient game.

Weekend Wonders Archaeology Craft
Learn more about Archaeology during a special session of Weekend Wonders, designed specifically for little archaeologists.

Kids’ Meals
Don’t forget to stop by The Fernbank Café for special $6 kids’ meals that include a special “dirt cup” dessert inspired by Fernbank’s Archaeology Day.

Swaps Room
Just for scouts! Scouts in uniform can use this space to exchange swaps with other troops, regroup, or focus on badge work and belt loops.
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