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  Artifact Identification Day   

Artifact Identification Day

  • Location: ISM Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown
  • Date: Sunday, March 03, 2013, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dickson Mounds Museum will host the 31st Annual Artifact Identification Day on Sunday, March 3, 2012 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with a lecture by Museum Director Dr. Michael Wiant at 1:00 p.m.  Museum archaeologists and other experts will identify, but not appraise, Native American artifacts, both prehistoric and historic pieces, and other objects such fossils, bones, and rock specimens.  In addition, there will be flint knapping demonstrations in the museum’s lobby.
 
Visitors are encouraged to bring their curiosities and questions.  Museum archaeologists will be available to identify Native American tools, pottery, and points.  Also on hand will be Dr. Jonathan Reyman, Illinois State Museum, who will be examining ethnographic items.  Dr. Terry Martin, Illinois State Museum, will be available to identify animal bone.  Members of the local flint knapping club, Gary Goodrich, Mark McDaniel, and Clark Iseminger, will be on hand to demonstrate the ancient technique of shaping chipped stone tools.
 
At 1:00 p.m., Dr. Michael Wiant will present at 50-minute lecture in the Museum’s auditorium titled: The John William Cooper Collection.  This collection consists of more than 1,100 artifacts, mostly spear, dart, and arrow points.  There are also knives, drills, celts, axes, clay pots, shells beads, and other items that provide insight into ancient technology and life of Native Americans in Fulton County.  All together, there are specimens that represent every stage of Native American culture in this region over the last 12,000 years.  Each artifact has a story to tell and we will consider the histories of a variety of objects.
 
Lunch will be available for purchase in the museum’s snack bar during the mid-day.  Admission to the event is free.

For more events at ISM Dickson Mounds Museum.