ALABAMA

The Alabama Museum of Natural History has an annual Museum Expedition Program that involves excavations at paleontological or archaeological sites. The expedition program is offered for three groups: middle school, high school and the public (ages 14 and up). In Summer 2012, the museum is also offering day trips to Shark's Tooth Creek to hunt for shark teeth and fossils. Call (205) 348-7550, or visit: http://www.ua.edu/academic/museums/history/wordpress/?page_id=14.

University of Alabama Museums Moundville Archaeological Park has a Native American Festival from October 10-13, 2012 that explores Alabama's Native American heritage. It allows children of all ages to learn how scientists excavate and discover things about the Native Americans in the area, while also learning how to make Native American crafts. More about the festival can be found here: http://moundville.ua.edu/festival/. You can also learn more about the Park's tours and programs here: http://moundville.ua.edu/programs-events/.

Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, managed by the Alabama Historical Commission, offers programs for school age children. Cahawba was Alabama's state capital from 1820 to 1826. After Civil War, it became a ghost town. You can view the beautiful landscape of ruins and relics, hike the Clear Creek Nature Trail, explore the cemetery, or visit the Old Cahawba Festival on the 2nd Saturday in May. On September 29th, 2012, there is a guided bike tour of the town. There are also special ghost-themed tours in October. (334) 872-8058 for more information or visit: http://www.cahawba.com.

Russell Cave includes a museum with artifacts and tools from Native American tribes, a cave shelter tour, and a nature trail. There is also Junior Ranger Program for children 12 years and under. There are activities throughout the attraction that the child completes in order to receive a badge and certificate at the end: http://www.nps.gov/ruca/index.htm.

Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery is where you can visit the oldest State Archives in the country. Hands-on activities, using Native Alabama artifacts, are available to encourage kids to study Alabama's past. Children 13 years or older can also become junior volunteers for the Archives. Call (334) 242-4435, or visit: http://www.archives.state.al.us.

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