Community Archaeology Outreach
Archaeology Fair
This year, the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation celebrates its 21st Archaeology Fair!
We're excited to keep the tradition going!
Dig into the prehistoric past at the 21st Annual Plano Archeology Fair in downtown Plano. Kid-friendly crafts, hands-on activities, and Native American drummers and dancers.
Among the activities and events planned for this year’s fair:
• Demonstrations by the Bear Claw Drummers and Dancers, a Native American performing group, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Demonstrations and “hands on” opportunities for flintknapping (stone toolmaking).
• An array of hands-on, kid-friendly crafts, including cornhusk doll making, rock painting, pinch pot making, a petroglyph wall, pictographs, corn grinding, bracelet making and face painting.
• A “technical” section for aspiring archeologists including a mock archeology dig, a faunal analysis table, a display of historic and prehistoric artifacts and stratigraphy.
Attendees can also learn about careers in archeology and the importance of protecting key archeological sites. Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts) working to complete an archeology merit badge will have the opportunity to complete requirements in this section.
"The Fair is a great opportunity for budding archeologists -- whether you’re a young child who is fascinated with fossils, a Scout earning an Archeology merit badge, or just someone who’s interested in archeology,” said Michelle Wurtz Penton, the event’s organizer. “This event has grown every year for the past 21 years. We’ve had some children come year after year, and now we’re seeing some going on to college to major in related fields like anthropology.”
Wurtz Penton, Ph.D., is an archeologist and a member of the board of the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, which hosts the event.
Saturday, November 15th 9am to 3pm
901 E. 15th Street
List of activities:
- Native American Drummers and Dancers
- Flint Knapping
- Arts and Crafts
- Mock Dig and more!
