People of all ages can dig into the prehistoric past at the 21st annual Plano Archeology Fair on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St. in downtown Plano. The event is free and open to the public.
“The Fair is a great opportunity for budding archeologists — whether you’re a young child who is fascinated with fossils, a Scout earning an Archeology merit badge, or just someone who’s interested in archeology,” said Michelle Wurtz Penton, the event’s organizer. “This event has grown every year for the past 21 years. We’ve had some children come year after year, and now we’re seeing some going on to college to major in related fields like anthropology.”
Wurtz Penton, who holds a doctorate, is an archeologist and a member of the board of the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, which hosts the event.
Activities and events planned for this year’s fair include demonstrations by the Bear Claw Drummers and Dancers, a Native American performing group, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for flintknapping (stone toolmaking); an array of hands-on, kid-friendly crafts, including cornhusk doll making, rock painting, pinch pot making, a petroglyph wall, pictographs, corn grinding, bracelet making and face painting; and a technical section for aspiring archeologists including a mock archeology dig, a faunal analysis table, a display of historic and prehistoric artifacts and stratigraphy. Attendees can also learn about careers in archeology and the importance of protecting key archeological sites. Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts) working to complete an archeology merit badge will have the opportunity to complete requirements in this section.
Archeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. Many people know that the city of Plano was first settled by Anglo pioneers in the 1840s. Before that, the North Texas area was home to Native Americans including the Tonkawa, Wichita, Caddo and other nomadic tribes for hundreds and possibly thousands of years.
In mock digs held at fairs in previous years, participants have unearthed historic artifacts in Haggard Park, such as nails, marbles, bricks and other structural remains.
Volunteers, including students from the Plano Senior High National Honor Society and members of the North Texas Archaeological Society, will staff the event. The Council of Texas Archaeologists and the city of Plano provided financial support. Versar Inc. also provides in-kind support and loans equipment. The fair was honored by the American Cultural Resources Award with its Public Service Award in 2013.
No reservations are needed. Visitors may stop by any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Interurban Railway Museum, located next to Haggard Park, will also be open during those hours for visitors who’d like to explore Plano’s history as well as North Texas rail history. Admission is free.
Parking is available in the lot next to the Interurban Railway Museum and the downtown Plano DART Rail Station.
For more information, call the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation at the Interurban Railway Museum at 972-941-2117.