JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 30, 2017 – Archaeology Day 2017 will be celebrated Sept. 9 at Graham Cave State Park near Danville. The free events will be held in the lower picnic area and in front of Graham Cave from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and are open to the public.
Activities planned for the day include prehistoric artifact displays, flint knapping demonstrations, deer bone fish hook demonstrations, mammal exhibits, atlatl (spear and dart) throwing, storytelling, Dutch oven cooking, nature hikes and children’s events.
The main events begin with an open information meeting plus demonstrations on the use of atlatl. The atlatl is a tool designed by early Native Americans for hunting prior to the invention of the bow.
Graham Cave is Missouri’s most significant early archaeological cave and was the first archaeological site in the United States to be designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Missouri State Parks is celebrating 100 years in 2017. Visitors can experience all the park system has to offer with the Centennial Passport. Visit http://mostateparks.com/passport for more information.
Archaeology Day is sponsored by Missouri State Parks, Graham family descendants, Montgomery County Historical Society, Montgomery County Retired School Personnel Association, University of Missouri’s Department of Anthropology, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Atlatl Association.
Graham Cave is located two miles west of Danville (Exit 170 off I-70) on Highway TT. For more information, contact the park at 573-546-3476. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit http://mostateparks.com.