Join the Fun at McClung Museum’s Can You Dig It? Event Celebrating International Archaeology Day in Knoxville

Join the Fun at McClung Museum’s Can You Dig It? Event in Knoxville

If you’re in the mood for a weekend adventure, mark your calendars for October 20, 2024! The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture in Knoxville, Tennessee, is rolling out the red carpet for its annual event, Can You Dig It?. This exciting day is set aside to celebrate International Archaeology Day and promises tons of family-friendly activities and hands-on experiences that are sure to spark curiosity and inspire a love for history.

Discover a Day Full of Activities

From noon to 4 p.m., the museum will buzz with excitement as attendees explore the fascinating world of archaeology. It’s a unique opportunity for families to get a firsthand look at how archaeologists uncover the past through various interactive and educational activities designed for all ages.

The event features a wide range of engaging programs, including:

• Cave Art Painting: Get creative in a fun art station!
• Hunter-Gatherer Games: Test your skills in playful challenges inspired by ancient lifestyles.
• Excavation Experiences: Dig deep and discover artifacts just like real archaeologists do!

Thanks to a partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which includes researchers, professors, and graduate students, there will be expert-led activities that provide insight into the significant role archaeology plays in understanding our history.

Linking the Past to Local History

This year, the McClung Museum is excited to introduce a collaboration with Knoxville’s Historic House Museums. This partnership highlights how archaeology continues to uncover secrets of local history, connecting research efforts with the fascinating stories of some of Knoxville’s most famous sites.

Patrick Hollis, the curator and executive director of the Mabry-Hazen House, shares his enthusiasm about this collaboration: “Our understanding of the past relies on numerous sources, and archaeology is an integral discipline to gain knowledge and clues about the who, what, when, where, and possibly why at historic house museums.” This unique blend of history and archaeology underscores how the two fields can contribute to our appreciation of local culture.

Tickets and Parking Information

While the Can You Dig It? event is free for everyone, tickets are limited, so registration is a must! Families and adventure-seekers can secure their spot by visiting the registration link provided by the museum.

Moreover, for attendees driving to the event, the museum has partnered with UT Parking to offer free parking in lot S9, which is conveniently located next to the Art and Architecture building on Volunteer Boulevard. Just remember, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If that lot fills up, don’t worry! There are additional campus parking options at just $2 per hour, easily accessible through the ParkMobile app.

Community Support Makes It Happen

Events like Can You Dig It? are made possible by the generous contributions from various sponsors, including Home Federal Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority, and several notable archaeological organizations. The support extends from departments at UT, such as Anthropology, Geography, and the School of Art. Special thanks also go to the Knox County Tourism Consortium for their commitment to educational programming.

A Reminder About the Museum

As a quick reminder, the McClung Museum is located at 1327 Circle Park Drive and offers free admission year-round. For visitors looking to plan their day, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Guests are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious kid, or simply looking for a fun family day out, the Can You Dig It? event at the McClung Museum is not to be missed. We hope to see you there, digging into the past and uncovering the stories that help shape our world!