Living Archaeology Weekend at Red River Gorge

The 25th anniversary of the Living Archaeology Weekend is set to celebrate Kentucky’s historic and prehistoric past. Since 1989, this annual event has illustrated the cultural practices of Native Americans and early pioneers.

This two-day event will take place at the Gladie Learning Center in the Red River Gorge.

Specialists at the event demonstrate how to make stone tools, tan animal hides and throw spears with an atlatl. Pottery, basketry and native cooking are also featured. Spinning, quilting and corn grinding are displayed at the nearby Gladie cabin.

Representatives from the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee will be among the program participants. The Absentee Shawnee will exhibit current items that represent their culture and perform a traditional stomp dance. The United Keetoowah Band will demonstrate their traditional games of stickball and marbles.

On Friday, September 20 the program demonstrations are for fifth-grade students only from school groups that are pre-registered to attend. During this time, the event serves as an outdoor classroom to help students better understand their textbook studies concerning Native Americans, pioneers and cultural heritage.

On Saturday, September 21 the event is open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Daniel Boone National Forest presents this special event in cooperation with the Kentucky Organization of Professional Archaeologists and the Kentucky Archaeological Survey. Other sponsors of the event include the Red River Historical Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission, Kentucky Heritage Council, University of Kentucky Department of Anthropology, Western Kentucky University, Weisenberger Mills, Frenchburg Job Corps, and the Red River Historical Society and Museum.

For more information, visit the Daniel Boone National Forest website or contact the Gladie Center at (606) 663-8100.


Jeff
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