Return of Saturday in the Park Program Series at UA’s Moundville Park

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Explore the lives of West Alabama’s Native Americans during the return of the Saturday in the Park program series at The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park.

Beginning in March, the Saturday events feature different topics related to Southeastern Native Americans or archaeology. Many of the programs, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted, will also include hands-on activities for children.

Saturday in the Park programs offer returning visitors something different each week during the warmer months, said Betsy Irwin, education outreach coordinator at Moundville Archaeological Park. Many of the topics directly relate to the recently renovated exhibits in the Jones Museum or the archaeology, flora and fauna of the park.

“These programs give people an opportunity to see how humans in general used to be much more in touch with our environment,” Irwin said. “Many younger people today do not realize that everything we have – our food, clothing, housing and transportation – somehow comes from the earth. By having programs such as these, we hope to build stronger relationships between different cultures while we help reconnect our youth with earth-friendly arts, crafts and technologies.”

The event topics are as follows:

March 2: Shell carver Dan Townsend will discuss shell-carving techniques and explain the stories and significance behind the symbols that prehistoric and historic Indians in the Moundville area passed down to one another.

March 9: Moundville Knap-In — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 8 and 9

March 16: Artist and historian Catherine Sloan, of Warrior, will discuss prehistoric textiles, as well as weaving methods that were introduced to the Southeastern Indian people during historic times.

March 23: Author and wilderness expert Darryl Patton, of Gadsden, will lead wild plant nature walks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Patton was a longtime student of renowned herbalist Tommie Bass, and he wrote and published the book “Mountain Medicine: The Herbal Remedies of Tommie Bass” in tribute to his mentor.

April 6: Catherine Sloan returns to demonstrate wire-wrapped jewelry making, a modern art that has been adapted to Native American jewelry.

April 13: An archaeologist from UA Museum’s Office of Archaeological Research will present “Archaeology as a Learning Adventure.” Visitors are welcome to bring artifacts that they would like identified. Other activities include piecing pottery back together and identifying tools used to make pottery designs.

April 20: Park patrons will enjoy “Past Times Pastimes,” a program offered by Moundville Archaeological Park staff and volunteers for visitors of all ages interested in Native American games. Visitors will learn about the games stickball and chunky, and children will decorate their own game pieces, learn a counting game and play “Indian football.”

April 27: Catherine Sloan again discusses prehistoric textiles, as well as weaving methods that were introduced to the Southeastern Indian people during historic times.

May 4: The ancient tools and weapons program will feature displays of assorted items made from stone, wood and fiber. Longtime park volunteer and ancient technology specialist Bill Skinner will demonstrate and explain the different tools and weapons used by Southeastern Indians and other tribal people around the world. Children will have an opportunity to use an atlatl, which is a spear-throwing device, and learn how to weave and try out a simple sling similar in design to what the Choctaws used.

May 18: Visitors will learn how to make a gourd bird house during the spring birding program. Bird identification checklists and other educational material will be available for those interested in learning how to bird watch. Also, Becky Collier with 4H in Columbiana, will give hourly presentations featuring live birds of prey, including hawks, owls and a bald eagle.

May 25: The Saturday program will be in remembrance of the Trail of Tears. Often referred to as the Cherokee removal, the term “Trail of Tears” also applies to people from other tribes who were forced to leave their homes for land in Oklahoma during the 1800s. Ron Cooper, author of “It’s My Trail Too: A Comanche Indian’s Journey on the Cherokee Trail of Tears,” will discuss his walk and be available for book signings. Those interested can also watch a video of another walk commemorating the Chickasaw Trail of Tears, which is held annually in Tuscumbia. Walk organizers Robert Perry and Annie Cooper Perry will be on hand to answer questions and autograph videotapes and books. The day will end with a walk around the loop at the park, memorializing the different tribes of Southeastern Indians who were forcibly removed from their homelands.

This season’s Saturday in the Park was sponsored by an anonymous donor. Park entrance fees will apply.