The Texas Historical Commission is excited to announce the 2023 Archaeology Fair at the French Legation in Austin Sunday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public.
?We're thrilled to celebrate this year's archaeology fair at the French Legation, where we're transforming our grounds into a 2-acre, open-air classroom that teaches young people how exciting it is to be an archaeologist and how indigenous cultures have shaped Texas history and culture,? said Alan Garcia, French Legation outreach specialist.
Various activities are available to visitors that display methods and techniques used by ancient inhabitants of the region.
?Folks will get to practice the art of flint knapping, learn how to throw indigenous atlatls, also known as spears, and study the ceramic traditions of Native Americans in Texas,? Garcia said.
One of the oldest houses in Austin, the French Legation opened in 1841 as a home and diplomatic outpost for the French charg? d?affaires to the Republic of Texas, Alphonse Dubois, after France recognized the Republic of Texas as a sovereign nation.
The site tells the story of Texas? settlement and the growth of one of the capital city?s most vibrant neighborhoods.
?The site of the French Legation, long before joining the city limits of Austin, was for thousands of years?a gathering place for Native Americans,? Garcia said. ?We think this is the perfect home for celebrating Texas Archaeology Month with our partners in archaeology and education from across the state.?
Each October, Texas Archeology Month celebrates this spirit of discovery. It is an opportunity for Texans to understand the depth and richness of the state?s heritage, historical significance of archeological sites, importance of proper archeological practices and contributions made by professional and avocational archeologists to our understanding of Texas? ancient and recent past.
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