Archeology Day

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Celebrate 70 years of archaeological education, research, and outreach with the CAA!

You’re invited to spend a day exploring the fascinating 12,000-year history of west central Illinois through fun, hands-on activities, informational exhibits, and presentations about the current research being done by CAA archaeologists.

All ages are welcome! Archeology Day is a family-friendly event.

Program Map and Schedule (pdf)

Events & Activities (10 am – 3 pm)

Maynard Building

  • Check-in
  • Program Guide
  • CAA Gift Shop

Kampsville Riverfront Park

  • Corn Husk Doll Making (Kimberly Bugg, Oneida Nation)
  • Native Beadwork (Kathy Dickerson, Kiowa Tribe)
  • Basket & Loom Weaving (Pat and Bob Sims)
  • Fingerweaving (Susan Ream Wilson)
  • Flintknapping (Tim Dillard and Mike Dothager)
  • Atlatl, Spear-making, and Spearthrowing (Don Stormer)
  • Archaeology Lab
  • Pictographs
  • Cordage making
  • Games

Flotation Lab

  • Ceramic firing techniques (Susan Bostwick)
  • Flotation sampling and processing
  • Coil pot making

McCully Heritage Project

  • Chip-a-Canoe Experimental Archaeology (Larry Kinsella)
  • Artifact Identification (Dave Nolan)
  • Archaeology Skills Test (prizes!)
  • German Site Tours

Scheduled Events

  • 10:30 am — Friction Fire Demonstration — Myron Kretney — McCully Heritage Project
  • 11:00 am — Corn Husk Dolls—History and Cultural Importance — Kimberly Bugg (Oneida Nation, Six Nations Reserve) — Kampsville Riverfront Park
  • 1:00 pm — Experimental Archaeology—Traps (Mike Dothager)
  • 2:00 pm — Friction Fire Demonstration — Myron Kretney — McCully Heritage Project

Program Map and Schedule (pdf)

Location — Center for American Archeology, Kampsville, IL

Kampsville is located on Highway 100 in Calhoun County, Illinois; it takes approximately 90 minutes to reach us from either St. Louis, MO or Springfield, IL.

Use the map below to plan your route. The route on the map begins at Alton and is routed through Carrollton so that you arrive at the ferry. Click the map and enter your own starting point to get the best directions for you.

For additional information, email or call 618-653-4316

This project is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency,
with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Two Rivers Arts Council.