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Jeffers Petroglyphs Events and Programs
May 8th: Archaeology Discovery Day, 1-5 p.m. Visitors can "Be Archaeologists" as they enjoy several activities scheduled through the afternoon. From 1-5 p.m., visitors can observe a flintknapper creating stone tools and try making a projectile point (arrowhead) themselves. At 2 p.m. visitors are led through the process of identifying actual projectile points and at 3 p.m. people can join in on a simulated dig. June 19th: Naked Eye Astronomy - Daytime Observing without a Telescope 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Learn how people were able to tell time using the sun. Make a simple sundial. June 26th: Touch the Past: Experience American Indian Handicrafts Visitors will enjoy using their hands to create American Indian objects. A collection of atlatls will be on display. 1-2 p.m. - Pottery 2-3 p.m. - Making atlatls 1-4 p.m. - Flintknapping 4-5 p.m.- Cordage July 3rd: Tipi Discovery Day The American Indian Tipi is a technological wonder. Warm, cool, dry and mobile, it has protected people for centuries. Learn about the tipi through hands-on activities and play American Indian games inside a tipi from 1-3 p.m. July 10th: Naked Eye Astronomy - Night Time Observing - 9-11 p.m. Learn how people use the patterns of visible stars (constellations) to keep track to tell time, navigate long distances and tell stories. Make a sky ruler to navigate the night sky. July 17th: Survivor: 10,000 B.P. - 10-5 p.m. Visitors travel through time to learn about the environmental, social economic and technological changes that indigenous people of Southern Minnesota endured in order to survive over the last 10,000 years. Also find out how the carvings at the Jeffers Petroglyphs relate to various time periods. Stations of the four time time periods will be on display with hands-on reproduction items . July 24th: Minnesota's Weather on the Prairie - 10-5 p.m. Learn simple weather predicting skills through hands-on activities for all ages. Visitors will learn how to use hand-held equipment to measure weather conditions, basic weather terminology and folklore. July 31st: Geology Discovery Day Explore the geological wonders of Southwestern Minnesota. A special geology exhibit is available for visitors to view. Learn about Sioux Quartzite and other important rocks of Southwestern MN. A short driving tour of interesting local sites will be available at 1 p.m. August 4th: "Be An Archaeologist" Children's Day Camp - 10-4 p.m. Children's 1 day Archaeology camp, for ages 10-14 Cost- $25 per child (MHS members-$15) Bring: a lunch/beverage, sunscreen, bottle of water , appropriate clothing An afternoon snack will be provided. Experience the world of archaeology through authentic activities that archaeologists really do! Learn the process of projectile point (arrowhead) identification, Take part in a simulated archaeology dig, learn the basics of flintknapping and make your own arrowhead, make your own atlatl and use it with a dart to "hunt" a bison (target) and investigate the surface archaeology of the site. August 7th: Butterflies Are Free - Family Day - 10-5 p.m. Enjoy free admission and explore the world of butterflies. Hands-on activities and a butterfly hunt will lead visitors through the extraordinary world of butterflies. A butterfly hunt will take place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. August 13th and 14th: Starry Night, Prairie Night - 6-midnight Enjoy viewing the carvings when they are best seen - at dusk. About 8 p.m. learn about the prairie animals of the night and enjoy a twilight prairie hike - bring a flashlight! When the skies are dark enough - gaze at one of Minnesota's darkest skies and learn about constellations through stories from cultures around the globe (bring a blanket to lay on!). September 4th: Prairie Day: 5,000 B.P. What types of food did the people on the prairie eat 5000 years ago? Participants will investigate what people ate based on the plants and animals that lived on the prairie at that time. |