Free Class on the Archeology of Utah

Wednesday, October 03, 2007 -- How long have humans lived in Utah? When did people start farming and growing corn? Why did the Anasazi abandon their homes in southern Utah? What is archaeology? What can be learned from the study of ancient skeletons or pottery or broken stone tools? Why are archaeological resources important?

These are just some of the questions to be explored in a free one-day class on the archaeology of Utah. Offered on October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rio Grande Depot, this class will introduce the concept of archaeology and the prehistoric cultures of Utah. We’ll also discuss some ongoing projects in the Salt Lake area and around the state of Utah.

For example, we’ll discuss the Fremont Indian village discovered during the early phases of TRAX construction in downtown Salt Lake City. This site was occupied by people more than 1,000 years ago. We’ll discuss Danger Cave and why this important archaeological site, excavated by Jesse Jennings in the 1950s, is still providing scientists with important information about the past.

The class is free and open to the public. Young people 4th grade and up may attend if accompanied by an adult. However, space is limited. Participants must pre-register by sending an e-mail to rrood@utah.gov with “October Class” in the subject line, or by calling Assistant State Archaeologist Ron Rood at 801/533-3564. The class is sponsored by State History’s Antiquities Section and the Utah Statewide Archaeological Society.

Source: Utah Arts Council