News Release

Pipestone National Monument to Host “Experiencing Archeology” Event

Date: October 7, 2019
Contact: Anne Dowd, Ph.D., 507-825-5464 x216

Pipestone National Monument is excited to host Experiencing Archeology, a program in conjunction with International Archeology Day. Pipestone National Monument’s mission includes preserving archeological resources, and the archeological record here stretches back at least 5,000 years. The program takes place Saturday, October 26^th, from 1PM-4PM at Pipestone National Monument. It is an all-ages event free to the public. A list of activities can be found below.
 
Archeology Walk and Talk:  1PM-2PM, start in Visitor Center Auditorium
The Monument’s archeological staff will give a brief talk explaining archeology and its significance at Pipestone National Monument followed by a guided tour around the Circle Trail. This tour will be slow paced with discussion stops. Along with the guided tour, kids can complete a mystery scavenger hunt. At each stop, they answer a question in their booklet and collect a clue piece. Once completed, they bring their clues to the front desk and use them to solve the mystery like an archeologist would.
 
Junior Ranger Archeology Program:  1PM-4PM, start at Visitor Center front desk
This special Junior Ranger Archeology Program was created by the National Park Service Midwest Archeological Center, and participation is free. Guests of any age can pick up a booklet at the Visitor Center front desk to complete on site or take home. Once completed, you can bring the booklet back to the Visitor Center front desk and receive a certificate and badge.
 
Spear throwing: 2PM-4PM, grassy area in front of Visitor Center
The atlatl, or “spear thrower,” allowed hunters to throw spears greater distances at higher speeds. Children can make and decorate their own atlatl, then practice using it to throw a spear or “dart” with the help of a demonstrator. Please keep in mind while these are “toy” atlatls, they should be treated with the same care as a real weapon and should only be used with adult supervision.
 
Smash for Science:  2PM-4PM, in front of/inside Visitor Center
Archeologists often use elements such as designs or the shape of a sherd to piece pottery back together. In this activity, children will have the chance to decorate a small terracotta pot. After decorating it, they will place the pot into a zip lock bag and break it into several pieces, then match the pieces to put it back together.
 
Archeo Symbol Search:  2PM-4PM
Come try your luck at an Archeo Symbol Search game in the Visitor Center! Play a round and win a prize!