Getting Dirty at the Pioneer Museum in Lander: Archaeology Day July 18

Lander Pioneer Museum holds Archaeology day for kids Saturday, July 18

Kids ages 6 to 14 will learn how to conduct an archaeological dig (and maybe find an arrowhead), throw an atalatal (a prehistoric spear) and other fun activities at the Lander Pioneer Museum’s Archaeology day, Saturday July 18.

Much of the knowledge we have about Wyoming’s past comes from archaeology. Many people have ideas about what archaeologists do, but they are often inaccurate. The event is designed to give kids a fun introduction to hands on archeology. The first annual Archaeology day for kids is at the museum, Saturday July 18, from 1 until 3 p.m. Kids have to sign up in advance, and only 25 spots are available. There is a $7 per kid fee. Call the museum for more information.

Archaeology day is part of the museum’s “McDonald's Children's Exploration Series”; activities and events for young people and families to learn about Lander and Wyoming history. The Children's Exploration Series is sponsored by the Lander and Riverton McDonalds. “McDonalds has really stepped up to support the museum’s programming for young people,” said Scott Goetz, Museum Central Director. “They recognize how important it is to teach kids about our history.”

“The archaeologists from the Lander Bureau of Land Management are helping run the event,” according to Museum Visitor Services Coordinator Randy Wise. “Krystal Hazen of the BLM is running our “dig” and we are thrilled to have a professional archaeologist teaching the kids the proper way to do this work, this should be a fun and educational day.”

The museum is located on the north end of town at 1443 Main Street. Call 307-332-3373 for information, or visit the web at www.fremontcountymuseums.com or on Facebook at Pioneer Museum Lander Wyoming.