The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Archaeological Field School will be hosting Archaeology Days at Reller Prairie Field Station June 10 and 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
The events are free and open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to help students screen for artifacts and learn how to use an atlatl (a throwing stick) for propelling darts. Students have discovered several mystery artifacts and seek the public's help in identifying them.
Field school students are participating in a variety of activies, including: discovery via field walking and excavation, reading and describing soils, using an atlatl, studying the decomposition of a pig (as an analog for humans). Forensic archaeology students are also excavating faux human burials, which is important in forensic case work.
Reller Prairie reopened in 2021 after renovations and serves as a site for experiential learning for students, who continue the tradition of conducting field experiments there with faculty. Since it is an environment that is home to elements such as ticks and poison ivy, visitors are encouraged to wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Insect repellant and water will be available at the field station.
For more information, contact LuAnn Wandsnider.
