Press Release
February 7, 2018
Contact: Dennis Peterson
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
spiro@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds
Spiro Mounds Development Association receives donation from Choctaw Nation Tourism
SPIRO, Okla. — On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, the Spiro Mounds Development Association (SMDA) received a donation from Choctaw Nation Tourism to help with interpretive and promotional development at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. This donation is just part of a multiyear development process by Choctaw Nation Tourism to promote tourism destinations and develop a better travel experience throughout the southeastern part of Oklahoma.
Choctaw Nation representatives Erin McDaniel and Jo McDaniel, both of Durant, presented the check to SMDA President David Hedges. “This donation is the result of an evaluation of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center and the recognition of its importance in the history and cultural tourism of our area. The Choctaw Nation, through Choctaw Nation Tourism, is happy to help Spiro Mounds update the site for a better experience of visitors to the Choctaw region,” said Erin McDaniel, tourism director for the Choctaw Nation.
Dennis Peterson, manager and archaeologist at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, said, “The areas that Choctaw Nation Tourism had identified as areas in need of improvement also were identified by the Oklahoma Historical Society as needs. Although work on the trail signage and other projects have been started, the continuing state budget and personnel cuts placed those projects on hold. Now we can finish the planning and implement them. We are very glad that we have a partner in Choctaw Nation Tourism and a great support group like the Spiro Mounds Development Association.”
The Spiro Mounds Development Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that helps promote and develop the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Memberships and information are available by contacting Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center at spiro@okhistory.org or writing SMDA at P.O. Box 624, Spiro, OK 74959.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric American Indian site open to the public in Oklahoma. The center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., and is closed for state holidays. Daily admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children older than six. The center is located three miles east of Spiro, Okla., on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour during the solstice walks or another time, please call 918-962-2062 or email spiro@okhistory.org.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Park 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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