FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — An event in celebration of Missouri’s Archaeology Month is set to take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in Colyer Park, giving attendees the chance to learn about the people who have lived in this area throughout the past thousands of years, along with some of the tools and weapons they used.
According to Stephanie Nutt, an archaeologist and cultural resources manager with the Directorate of Public Works’ Environmental Division, the goal of the event goes beyond growing the attendees’ knowledge of the prehistory and history of the area.
“There is such a rich cultural history here, stretching back thousands of years, with Native American occupation but also including 19th- and 20th-century farmsteads and more recent military sites, like the World War II-era POW camp — the event is a wonderful opportunity to make people aware of that,” Nutt said. “We also hope that attendees will gain an understanding of why it is important to preserve and protect significant archaeological resources and the role Fort Leonard Wood, as a federal agency, plays in that protection and preservation.”
As in years past at the event, Nutt said attendees will have opportunities to try archery and a prehistoric spear-throwing tool called an atlatl, learn about and practice drawing their own ancient rock art, and learn flint knapping from a Missouri Department of Conservation representative — and younger attendees will have the chance to dig for mock artifacts to help get a feeling for the tools archaeologists use.
Nutt said the hands-on nature of a lot of the lessons mirrors the hands-on nature of archaeology, as a career, and makes a greater impression, “than just reading or hearing a presentation.”
“Archaeology, by nature, is a hands-on career,” Nutt said. “We enjoy giving people the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the people who lived in this area in the past. Trying their hand at using primitive weapons or holding an artifact that is hundreds or thousands of years old is a great way to do that. Most people, especially kids, like learning in an interactive way, and I think it makes much more of an impression on them than just reading or hearing a presentation. It is especially important to me that kids have the opportunity to get a sense of what it might be like to be an archaeologist — something they may know nothing about or may not see as a possible career path.”
Another popular aspect of the event brought back again this year is inviting the community to bring their own artifacts for identification — Nutt said several people brought projectile points to the 2023 event that Andrew Phillips, Fort Leonard Wood’s prehistoric archaeologist, was able to identify.
“He was also able to explain to the owners how the point was made and how it would have been used,” Nutt said.
For those unable to attend the event, or who want to learn more, Nutt said an exhibit will be on display at the Bruce C. Clarke Library throughout September.
“This year, we will also have a static display in the Clarke library the entire month of September, featuring archaeology themed books, Fort Leonard Wood archaeology specific information, and possibly some artifacts,” Nutt said.
More information on the upcoming Fort Leonard Wood archaeology event is available by calling 573.596.7607.
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