Press Release
June 14, 2019
Contact: Dennis Peterson
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
dpeterson@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/spiromounds
Summer Solstice Walks at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center June 21
SPIRO, Okla. — Start your summer with a trip to Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center for a special guided tour on the summer solstice, June 21. 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. There is a fee of $5 per adult and $3 per child for this event, cash or check only please. Due to flood damage, the building and exhibits will be unavailable, so the regular admission cost of $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children will not be charged.
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.
The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric site in Oklahoma open to visitors. The interpretive center and trails are normally open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. However, due to flood damage early in June, the center will be closed until early or mid-August. The center is located three miles east of Spiro on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. If you would like further information or updates about the Summer Solstice Walks or the center, please check our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SpiroMoundsArchaeologicalCenter/.
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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