Discover Archaeology at McClung Museum’s Free Family Event in Knoxville on October 20

Get Ready for a Day of Discovery in Knoxville!

Knoxville, Tenn. – mark your calendars because something exciting is happening at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture! On October 20, 2024, the museum will host its annual event, Can You Dig It?, celebrating International Archaeology Day. This event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., is completely free and is designed for families and anyone who is curious about archaeology.

What’s in Store at Can You Dig It?

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an archaeologist, this is the perfect chance to find out! You and your family can take part in an array of hands-on activities that let you engage with the past in a fun and interactive way. From painting your very own cave art to playing traditional hunter-gatherer games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights this year will be the excavation experiences, where eager explorers can dig into the ground and uncover artifacts. These activities are curated by knowledgeable researchers, professors, and graduate students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who will be on-site to guide and teach attendees about the significance of their discoveries.

A Community Celebration

Each year, International Archaeology Day helps to raise awareness about the wonderful world of archaeology. This year, the McClung Museum is joining forces with professional archaeologists and various units across the UT campus to bring a vibrant celebration of this important discipline to the Knoxville community.

What’s new this year? The museum has teamed up with Knoxville’s Historic House Museums to showcase how archaeology contributes to understanding local history. This is an incredible opportunity to see how digging into the past can shed light on the stories behind some of Knoxville’s iconic sites.

As Patrick Hollis, curator and executive director of the Mabry-Hazen House, explains, “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.” He adds that this event allows the Historic House Museums of Knoxville to share their insights on how archaeological work helps to tell their unique stories.

How to Get Involved

Since Can You Dig It? is such a popular event, attendees are encouraged to register in advance as tickets are limited. To snag your tickets, head on over to the McClung Museum’s website!

Also, good news for those driving in – the museum has partnered with UT Parking to offer free parking for event guests in lot S9, located next to the Art and Architecture building on Volunteer Boulevard. Just remember, it’s first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly.

A Fond Thank You

Thanks to the generous donations from partners like Home Federal Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Council for Professional Archaeology, and many more, the McClung Museum is able to bring this wonderful event to life. Their support, alongside contributions from various UT departments, helps ensure that everyone has a meaningful experience while exploring the rich tapestry of human history.

About the McClung Museum

Located at 1327 Circle Park Drive, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture welcomes visitors for free! They’re open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. If you haven’t visited yet, now’s the perfect time to check out their exhibits and immerse yourself in the stories of the past!

So, mark your calendars for October 20, and be ready for a fun-filled day at the McClung Museum. It’s going to be a blast!