Press Release
April 16, 2020
Contact: Dennis Peterson
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
spiro@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/spiromounds
Spiro Mounds Cancels Archaeology Day and Birthday Bash
SPIRO, Okla. — The first priority of the Oklahoma Historical Society is the health and safety of our patrons, volunteers and staff. Because of the continued need for social distancing due to the coronavirus, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will not hold its 15th annual Archaeology Day and Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 9. After 42 years as the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site in Oklahoma that the public can visit, the center continues to preserve, protect, and interpret this unique part of America’s history.
Barring additional scheduling changes, the next event at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will be the Summer Solstice Walks on Saturday, June 20, 2020. There will be three walks led by archaeologist Dennis Peterson starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Each walk will include one mile of easy walking and last about two hours. Peterson will talk about the history of the mound site and the American Indians who built it more than 1,000 years ago. He also will talk about the reasons for the mounds and the alignment of some of the mounds to track the movement of the sun throughout the year. Peterson will tell the history of the excavations of the site by both archaeologists and looters. The 7 p.m. walk will allow the observation of twilight wildlife and a view of the sunset, which is the most important part of the event.
There is a small fee for this series of tours of $5 for adults and $3 for children in addition to the regular daily admission fee. Oklahoma Historical Society and Spiro Mounds Development Association members do not pay the daily admission fee. No reservations are required, except for large groups. Payment can be made by cash or check, but credit cards are not accepted.
If you would like more information about the Summer Solstice Walks or how you can help at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, please contact Dennis Peterson at 918-962-2062 or spiro@okhistory.org. 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 .
###
