Press Release
October 3, 2019
Contact: Dennis Peterson
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
spiro@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds
Spiro Mounds to Host Grand Reopening and Archaeology Month Event
SPIRO, Okla. — On May 24, 2019, the staff of Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center was forced to evacuate the only prehistoric American Indian archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma due to historic flooding on the nearby Arkansas River. After nearly five months of cleanup and repair work from flood damage, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will hold its grand reopening on Saturday, October 19, with a special Archaeology Month event including lectures, a guided walk and many other activities. Oklahoma Archaeology Month is sponsored and promoted by the Oklahoma Anthropological Society and the Oklahoma Public Archaeology Network, and includes many more events throughout Oklahoma during the month of October. There will be no entry fee for this event although donations are always appreciated.
Lectures about the prehistory and history of the region will start at 11 a.m. There also will be a guided tour of the site at 2 p.m. led by manager Dennis Peterson. The regular exhibits will be available throughout the day as well. Several expert flintknappers, or stone tool makers, will be on hand to show off their skills from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An archaeologist will be available to identify artifact collections for visitors during that same time. Caddo master potter Chase Earles will give a presentation on traditional Caddo pottery and show his pottery, which is made incorporating ancient methods and designs. Educational games and activities will be available upon request throughout the day. The sandbox for the children has been stocked with lots of treasures to find and keep.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric American Indian archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public and is the perfect place to celebrate Archaeology Month. If you would like to know more about Archaeology Month events, please visit www.ou.edu/okpan. For more information on Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, please contact Dennis Peterson at 918-962-2062 or spiro@okhistory.org, or like our Facebook page.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is normally open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 6–18, cash or check only. The center is located three miles east of Spiro on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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