Utah Archaeology Week (UT: May 7 - 14)

The contents of the press release attachment are the same as the contents of this email.

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2011

Contacts:
Alycia Aldrich
Utah State History
(801) 533-3556

Claudia Nakano, Communications Director
Utah Department of Community and Culture
(801) 859-8443

CELEBRATING UTAH’S ARCHAEOLOGY
Utah Archaeology Week to be held May 7-14, 2011


How long have people lived in Utah, and how did they live? How do archaeologists piece together the story of the past? Through archaeology, the scientific study of past human cultures, we know that people have lived in what we now call Utah for more than 12,000 years. Find out more about Utah’s incredible ancient past and interact with archaeologists from the government and private sector during Utah Archaeology Week, May 7 – 14, 2011. Events throughout the week include tours, workshops and statewide events.

“Archaeology Week gives the community a chance to connect to Utah’s unique past,” says Ronald Rood, Assistant State Archaeologist. “It helps people realize that archaeological artifacts and sites are important, finite resources.”

STATE HISTORY-SPONSORED EVENTS
Please note: All events are free and open to the public. All events take place at Utah State History, Rio Grande Depot, 300 South Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, with the exception of the Danger Cave and Jukebox Cave tours.


May 7th – Archaeology Week Open House 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Visitors will be able to throw a spear with an atlatl, grind corn using stone tools, make crafts, see how spearheads and baskets were made, buy Navajo tacos, and much more.

May 11th – “Ask an Archaeologist” 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. State archaeologists will be available to examine artifacts and answer questions, such as how old your artifact may be. No appraisals will be given.

May 12th – “Bones, Bones and More Bones: Learning about Animal Bones” 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Interested in how archaeologists study animal bones? Have a bone to be identified? Come to the bone workshop during Archaeology Week. Kids are welcome and bones are welcome. This is a free event; however, space is limited. RSVP to Ron Rood at rrood@utah.gov with BONES in the subject line.

May 14th – “Tours of Danger Cave and Jukebox Cave” Visit two of the premier archaeological sites in the state of Utah with archaeologists from the Antiquities Section. This year, former State Archaeologist Dr. David Madsen, who has excavated in Danger Cave, will co-lead the tours. Humans have used these sites for more than 10,000 years, and Danger Cave is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a rare opportunity, and space is limited. To reserve a spot, RSVP to Ron Rood at rrood@utah.gov with DANGER CAVE in the subject line.


For a complete listing of statewide events, go to www.history.utah.gov or call Ron Rood at 801-533-3564.


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State History serves the citizens of Utah by helping to make history accessible, exciting, and relevant—and integral to the economy and culture of the state. State History is a division of the Utah Department of Community and Culture (www.community.utah.gov ).