Arkansas Archeology Month observed by AAS chapter
In celebration of Archeology Month, the Ouachita Chapter of the Arkansas Archeological Society meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, 200 Whittington Ave. Parking is in the lot at the western building, enter through the portico and the meeting is located just inside and to the left. Visitors are welcome, bring a friend. For more information, email Sherri Bradbury at OuachitaChapter@gmail.com.
This month’s program will feature Gary Knudsen, longtime member of Arkansas Archeological Society and retired Forest Archeologist/Heritage Resource Program manager from Ozark-St. Francis National Forests in Russellville, who will present a program titled “Penhook Rock Shelter — Tale of an Early Ozark National Forest Site Testing Project.” This presentation tells the story of the Forest Service’s engagement regarding a prehistorically occupied rock shelter in the Ozark Mountains. The story includes details of the first encounter with local residents reporting the site, Forest archeologists and law enforcement initial visits, logistical issues with excavation of the site, research design and approach to excavation. This chapter of the Penhook Rock Shelter story closes with preliminary findings regarding prehistoric occupation of the site and its significance.
Archeology Month is an annual celebration commemorating Arkansas’ cultural heritage revealed through prehistoric and historic archeology. A variety of programs, exhibits, hands-on activities and tours at parks, museums, universities and libraries will be held throughout the state. Visit the Arkansas Archeological Survey webpage, http://www.archeology.uark.edu for a list of activities by city.
Garland County Library, in cooperation with Ouachita Chapter AAS, presents an exhibit titled “Archeology and American Indian History in the Ouachita Mountains” on display in the library at 1427 Malvern Ave. throughout the month. For additional information on archeological research in the local area, click on Henderson State University Research Station from the Arkansas Archeological Survey website.