Exciting Archaeology Day Event at McClung Museum Set for October 20, 2024

KNOXVILLE: Exciting Archaeology Day Event Coming Soon!

Mark your calendars, folks! Can You Dig It? is back, and it’s going to be a fantastic afternoon for families and learners of all ages. Taking place on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, this free event offers a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on with archaeology and learn all about our fascinating past.

What to Expect

From noon to 4 PM, visitors can dive into a variety of activities designed to inspire and educate. The museum will host everything from cave art painting to hunter-gatherer games. There will also be real-life excavation experiences where you can play the role of an archaeologist digging for artifacts! Can you imagine unearthing a piece of history? It’s bound to be a highlight of the day!

Celebrate International Archaeology Day

This event is held in honor of International Archaeology Day, which takes place each year in mid-October. The day is dedicated to increasing awareness about archaeology, inviting community members to participate in diverse activities that promote understanding of this essential field. The McClung Museum has teamed up with professionals from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to ensure that visitors will learn from the very best in the field.

New Partnerships and Insights

This year, the event is even more special as the McClung Museum has partnered with Knoxville’s Historic House Museums. This collaboration highlights how archaeology plays a crucial role in piecing together the histories of local landmarks. Patrick Hollis, the curator and executive director of the Mabry-Hazen House, emphasizes the importance of archaeology when he says, “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.” It’s a wonderful way to connect the dots between excavation practices and local stories!

How to Participate

While Can You Dig It? is free to attend, tickets are limited, and registration is required. So, don’t wait too long! You can register by visiting https://tiny.utk.edu/CanYouDigIt24. This ensures that everyone has an amazing and organized experience.

Parking Information

No need to worry about parking—it’s on the house! The McClung Museum has partnered with UT Parking to provide free parking for attendees in Lot S9, which is conveniently located next to the Art and Architecture building on Volunteer Boulevard. Just remember, it’s available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might be a good idea to arrive early to snag a spot. If Lot S9 fills up, additional campus parking is available for just $2 per hour through the ParkMobile app.

Supporters of the Event

A big shout-out goes to the sponsors making this event possible, including Home Federal Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority, and numerous UT departments. Their generosity goes a long way in helping the McClung Museum provide such enriching educational programming!

Take a Trip to the McClung Museum

The McClung Museum is located at 1327 Circle Park Drive, and admission is always free! Regular visiting hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 12 PM to 4 PM on Sundays. If you plan to visit outside of this big day, be sure to check their website for visitor guidelines and parking resources.

Don’t miss this exciting chance to engage with archaeology and history right in your community. We can’t wait to see you there on October 20!