Artifact Identification Day at Dickson Mounds
 LEWISTOWN, IL – Dickson Mounds Museum will host the 30th Annual Artifact Identification Day on Sunday, March 4, 2012 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Museum archaeologists and other experts will identify, but not appraise, Native American artifacts, both prehistoric and historic pieces, and other objects such as 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. Joining museum archaeologists will be geologists John Washburn of the Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society and Steve Holley from Farmington, Illinois. 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. Clark Iseminger, Glen Leesman, Gary Goodrich, and others will be on hand to demonstrate flint knapping, the ancient technique of shaping chipped stone tools. Visitors will also have their first look at the new exhibit “Artifact Collecting and Archaeology” – the John William Cooper Collection. This collection consists of nearly 800 artifacts, mostly spear, dart, and arrow points. There are also knives, drills, celts, axes, clay pots, shell beads, and other items that provide insight into ancient technology and life. There are specimens that represent every stage of Native American culture in this region over the last 12,000 years. And each has a story to tell, especially when viewed by the trained eye of an archaeologist. Lunch will be available for purchase in the museum’s snack bar. 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 museum's web site at www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/dickson/ or www.ExperienceDicksonMounds.com. Also check out weekly updates on Facebook at “Illinois State Museum – Dickson Mounds”.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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Illinois State Museum
Founded 1877
The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois' natural, cultural, and artistic heritage.
General Information: (217)782-7386
Director's Office: (217)782-7011
Interim Museum Director: Michael Wiant
Press Contact: michael.wiant@illinois.gov
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