Celebrate International Archaeology Day with IUP’s Annual Archaeology Open House

Indiana, PA – The Anthropology Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania will hold their annual Archaeology Open House on Saturday, October 15, from 12:00-3:00 PM. Activities will take place on the ground floor of McElhaney Hall, as well as outside on the “South Lawn” adjacent to the building (weather permitting). No matter what your level of archaeological knowledge is, there will be something for everybody.

Have you ever picked up an artifact and wondered about it? Bring it and any information you have about where you found it to our “Stump the Archaeologist” table so we can identify it for you! Other events include prehistoric and historic artifact displays from local archaeological sites, artifact identification, stone tool-making demonstrations, Early Human displays, and lab tours. There will also be kids events (for kids and the young at heart), with activities such as prehistoric hand-painting, wampum beading, and pottery refitting. All of the archaeology laboratories (including the faunal, botanical, and geophysical labs) will open their doors to the public during the event. Travel back in time and come see how archaeology is done at this free event!

Archaeology Day is a tradition in the Anthropology Department that allows IUP students and faculty to share their knowledge and love of the past with others. The annual Open House is held during Archaeology Month and is celebrated in conjunction with International Archaeology Day, a celebration of archaeology and the thrill of discovery held every year by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA). Every October, the AIA and archaeological organizations across the United States, Canada, and abroad present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Come indulge your inner Indiana Jones and see how real archaeology is done.

For more information about this free event, contact Andrea Palmiotto (apalmiot@iup.edu) or Mikala Hardie (fmxcc@iup.edu). For more information about International Archaeology Day and associated programming state-wide, visit the Archaeological Institute of America website at https://www.archaeological.org/archaeologyday/about.