Have you ever thought about what it's like to be an archaeologist? Find out this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing! It's your chance to talk to archaeologists about investigations and artifacts that tell the story of 14,000 years of Michigan history.

Archaeologists who work in Michigan will be stationed throughout the museum's first and second floors where they will tell you about their research, show you some of the artifacts they have found and answer your questions. There are also activities for kids of all ages, two in depth presentations about exciting archaeology projects and an opportunity to learn more about an artifact you have found! The full schedule of events is below.

Admission to this family-friendly event is free.

Plan Your Visit

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

• 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Hidden in Plain Sight: Rediscovering Michigan State University's First Observatory. Free glow-in-the-dark stars while supplies last!
• 1 – 2 p.m.: Archaeology and Outreach at Fort St. Joseph. Don't forget to pick up your free project archaeology poster, courtesy of your State Historic Preservation Office!

ACTIVITIES 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Archaic Hunting Skills presented by Eaton Rapids Public Schools
• Scavenger Hunt presented by Michigan History Museum
• Archaeology Petting Zoo presented by United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Picking up the Pieces: Plate Puzzle for Kids presented by Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
• Pinch Pot Making presented by Chronicle Heritage
• Flintknapping Demonstration presented by Pathways of the Past, courtesy of Heartsong Archaeology

ARCHAEOLOGY ROADSHOW 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

What is it? How old is it? Is it important? Have an artifact that you want to know more about? Experts in archaeology, geology and paleontology will be on hand to assess your finds and teach you how to report sites. If it can fit in a shoe box, bring it in! This is an opportunity to identify or learn more about an artifact. To support the preservation of archaeological artifacts and sites, no monetary values will be provided at this event.

EXHIBITORS 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Chronicle Heritage
• Conference on Michigan Archaeology
• Cranbrook Institute of Science
• Department of Natural Resources Archaeology & Underwater Archaeology
• Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
• Mackinac State Historic Parks
• Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
• Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians
• Michigan Archaeological Society
• Michigan Historic Preservation Network
• Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
• Michigan State University Campus Archaeology Program
• Michigan Technological University
• Oakland University
• Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
• United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Warner Pioneer Homestead
• Washtenaw Community College
• Wayne State University Anthropology Museum
• Western Michigan University Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project

The Michigan History Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories.

The Archives of Michigan and 12 museums and historic sites across the state provide family-friendly places where people of all ages can have fun learning about their heritage and the history of Michigan through research, exhibits, special events and diverse programming. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MHC.