Utah Prehistory Week, May 1 – 8, 2010

Utah Prehistory Week celebrates the vast and unique prehistory of our state. Did you know humans have lived in Utah for at least 13,000 years? Did you realize there are significant and important ancient archaeological sites even under the modern streets of Salt Lake City? Events during Prehistory Week are for young and old and include:

May 1 – Prehistory Week Open House. Rio Grande Depot (300 S. 450 W., Salt Lake City), 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission is free. Visitors will be able to throw a spear with an atlatl, grind corn using stone tools, make crafts, see how spearheads and baskets were made, buy Navajo tacos, and much more.

May 4 – “Ask An Archaeologist.” Rio Grande Depot, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
State archaeologists will be available to examine any artifacts you may have. Have you always wondered how old that arrowhead you found as a kid might be? This is a chance to find out. We won’t do any appraisals, but we might be able to tell you what you’ve got.

May 5 – “The Bioarchaeology of Utah: What skeletal remains tell us about the lives of the prehistoric peoples of Utah.” Rio Grande Depot, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Bioarchaeology includes the study of human skeletal material from archaeological and paleontological sites. Physical Anthropologist Derinna Kopp of State History’s Antiquities Section will talk about what human skeletal remains from archaeological sites here in Utah teach us about the past. How healthy were ancient people in Utah? What diseases did they have? Skeletons do tell stories. This presentation is free and open to the public.

May 6 – “What is Archaeology?” A workshop for kids ages 9 - 13. Rio Grande Depot, 5 – 6 p.m.
Do you want to become an archaeologist? Come and see what archaeologists do, see some ancient artifacts, and find out why archaeological sites are important. You must pre-register for this workshop by contacting Ron Rood at 801-533-3564. The workshop is free, but space is limited.

May 8 – Tours of Danger Cave and Jukebox Cave
Visit two of Utah’s premier archaeological sites with staff from State History’s Antiquities Section. Danger Cave has a record of human use dating back more than 13,000 years. Space is limited, and you must preregister by contacting Ron Rood at rrood@utah.gov  with CAVE TOUR in the subject line or by calling 801.533.3564.

For a complete listing of statewide events, go to http://www.history.utah.gov/ , or call 801.533.3564. http://history.utah.gov/archaeology/i_love_archaeology/prehistory_week/index.html