TENNESSEE

Tennessee Archaeology Awareness Week takes place in September. For more information, visit: www.mtsu.edu/~kesmith/TNARCH/taaw.html

The McClung Museum hosts Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee, an exhibit that looks at the lives of the people who occupied Tennessee from the Paleo-Indian Period to the present. For more information, visit: http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/permex/archaeol/archaeol.htm

Each year, the ARCHEOFEST in west Tennessee celebrates Native American culture and archaeology at the Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Area. The site consists of at least 16 mounds, an earthen geometric enclosure, and habitation areas that encompass more than 400 acres. The museum, designed to replicate an Indian mound, has an archaeological library and an 80-seat theater. Visitors can learn more about the site and Native American cultures of the Southeast through many exciting activities. Call (901) 988-5614 for details.

An Archaeology Afternoon at the University of the South, Sewanee, features demonstrations and exhibits of prehistoric ceramic technology, making and using long bows and arrows, atlatls (throwing sticks), bow drills, stone tools, cordage and other life skills of prehistoric Native American cultures at Little River Canyon National Preserve and Russell Cave National Monument. Call (931) 598-1833.

Prehistoric Tennessee, a children's program at the Radnor Lake State Natural Area, introduces children to the prehistoric Native American cultures that flourished throughout the rivers and forests of Tennessee. Included will be Native American technologies such as the atlatl. There is no fee, but reservations are required. Call (615) 373-3467.

The Frank H. McClung Museum at the University of Tennessee offers a permanent exhibit—Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee. This large, state-of-the-art exhibit tells the important story of Tennessee’s Native American history, beginning 12,000 years ago and continuing to the present day. Interactive and audiovisual elements enliven the displays of many significant artifacts. The museum also offers organized educational programs for schools and other groups. Call (865) 974-2144, or visit: mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

Each October, Chucalissa hosts the Annual Native American Days. The event is a youth program designed to allow kindergarten through ninth-grade students to come be entertained and educated through hands-on activities, storytelling, and demonstrations that celebrate Native American heritage. For information on these events, call (901) 785-3160, or visit: http://chucalissa.memphis.edu/

The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson includes permanent exhibits of artifacts relating to the Jackson family and a small exhibit of artifacts from the excavation of slave residences. For more information, visit: www.thehermitage.com/.