The first observance of Kentucky Archaeology Month enters high gear this week. Activities include programs on Native Americans, and an archaeological workshop. Later this month, an event at Eastern Kentucky University focuses on artifacts found at White Hall State Shrine. White Hall is the home of abolitionist Cassius Clay.
Jon Endonino , who’s a Lecturer in Archaeology, says much of the identification work begins in the lab.
“You know, once we excavate things, we have to do something with them and that means bringing them back to the laboratory, washing them, sorting them, cataloging them and then making the next step toward interpretation and understanding what it is that we found.” –Jon Endonino
The month long observance is being held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Living Archaeology Weekend at Red River Gorge. Hundreds of students will also participate in demonstrations on Friday, September 20th at the Gorge’s Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center.
“We’ll see people making bows and arrows, stone tools, making and cooking in pottery, weaving, as well as there are native American groups there who will be engaging in traditional dance and life ways,” explained Endonino.
Kentucky Heritage Council Director Craig Potts says Kentucky is known worldwide for some of its archaeological resources. He says that includes the five thousand year old farm in the Red River Gorge.