UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park Honors, Recruits Volunteers at Luncheon

MOUNDVILLE, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park will host a volunteer luncheon at noon Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Nelson B. Jones Riverbend Lodge within the park.

All current volunteers, as well as anyone interested in becoming one, are encouraged to attend.

The archaeological park has a number of highly trained volunteer docents who serve as tour guides and help with specialized programs, both on site and at elementary schools in West Alabama. In addition, volunteers pitch in to help with the park’s Native American garden, led by plant expert Charlotte Hagood of Albertville.

At the most recent Moundville Native American Festival in October 2007, more than 150 individuals donated more than 1,000 hours of service. Many of these individuals are members of 18 different organizations from Tuscaloosa and Hale counties as well as UA student organizations.

At the luncheon, organizers will discuss upcoming plans, sign up new volunteers, and schedule a docent training class. The park is looking for volunteers to help with spring planting in the Native American Garden as well as new docents. The park also is seeking volunteers 14 and older for the Junior Camp Counselor Program at the Indian Summer Day Camp. Young adults can earn community service credit while they learn a host of arts, crafts and technologies related to Moundville and Southeastern Indians. Volunteers also will have the opportunity to take crafts classes free of charge in the upcoming months.

Moundville Archaeological Park is part of The University of Alabama Museums. People who wish to participate can RSVP by calling Claudia Cummings at 205/371-2234 or by sending e-mail to ccumming@bama.ua.edu.