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  Weekend Knap-In   

Weekend Knap-In

  • Location: ISM Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown
  • Date: Saturday, February 28, 2015 through Sunday, March 01, 2015 , 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dickson Mounds Museum will host the Second Annual Weekend Knap-In Saturday and Sunday, February 28 and March 1, 2015 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The public is welcome to view flint knapping demonstrations. Participants may learn about the different techniques used by several craftsmen and see their stone tool creations.

A collection of Mississippian period diggings tools, also called hoes, will be featured at Dickson Mounds Museum’s annual artifact identification day. The late Quinton Ritchey collected more than 50 of these large (some more than 12” long), distinctively shaped, bifacially chipped tools during his travel throughout southern Illinois while working in the oil business. Many of the specimens are classic Mill Creek hoes, so named because they were made from Mill Creek chert found exclusively in far southwestern Illinois, especially in Union County. Archaeological studies in the area have located large quarry/workshops where hoes and “dance swords”, another distinctive Mississippian artifact, were mass produced. These objects are part of a larger collection of prehistoric artifacts donated to Fort Massac State Park by Ritchey’s relatives. The collection will be housed in a permanent exhibit at the Fort Massac visitor center.

Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Flintknappers interested in participating may contact Christa Christensen at 309-547-3721 for information regarding food and lodging. No fees are required.

The Illinois State Museum - Dickson Mounds is located between Lewistown and Havana off Illinois Routes 78 and 97. The museum is open free to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Tours and special programs are available for groups with reservations. For more information call 309.547.3721 or TTY 217.782.9175 or visit the www.experienceDicksonMounds.com. Also check out weekly updates on Facebook at “Illinois State Museum – Dickson Mounds”.

For more events at ISM Dickson Mounds Museum.