Welcome, history enthusiasts, young explorers, and curious minds, to our exciting adventure into the past!
In June 2023, a remarkable event took place in Pueblo County, Colorado, where we delved into the fascinating world of archaeology and history. And let me tell you, it was a blast! We're here to share the highlights of "Digging into History: A Hands-On Archaeology Event," a community engagement extravaganza that brought together the young and the young at heart to uncover the mysteries of the past.
Aerial view of the activity stations showing a marked caution tape pathway lower photo right. A caution marked square area, photo middle, is the “Survey like an Archaeologist” station. Courtesy of Devin Dickinson, June 23, 2023.
Before we embark on this thrilling journey, let's set the scene. Imagine the beautiful rolling plains with exquisite mountains surrounding you in the distance and cattle and pronghorn's roam. This land holds secrets from ages long gone, and it was the perfect backdrop for our archaeological adventure!
View of the property showing the plains and the beautiful mountains in the background.
The event kicked off with an introduction to archaeology, where we learned that it's not just about excavating ancient treasures. Oh no! There's so much more to it. We explored primary documents like newspapers and topographic maps at the "Historic Literature" station. These intimate details from the past allowed us to piece together the stories of the people who once lived on this very land.
Volunteers from the Pueblo Archaeological and Historical Society at the Historic Literature Station.
Next up was the "Artifact Station," and boy, was it exciting! Imagine being able to touch and identify real artifacts, like metal fragments, colorful glass pieces, and even an ancient wheel. It was like traveling back in time, imagining the lives of those who used these items centuries ago.
Close-up of the artifacts available at the Artifact Station.
But wait, there's more! At the "Survey Like an Archaeologist" station, we got to feel like true explorers. Armed with tape and pin flags, we conducted a simulated artifact survey across the landscape. We even drew the "site" on graph paper, showing off our mapping skills and understanding the importance of recording archaeological resources.
Survey like an Archaeologist Station.
The excitement didn't stop there! At the "mock dig" station, we rolled up our sleeves and dug through bins filled with "artifacts" from a thrift store, buried in the dirt. The thrill of finding hidden treasures and telling stories about their past use was absolutely contagious!
Mock Dig Station.
But archaeology isn't just about finding whole artifacts. The "Piece Together Artifacts" table demonstrated the challenge of reconstructing broken ceramic items. It felt like being in an archaeologist's lab, piecing together history bit by bit.
Piece Together Artifacts Station.
Now, you might be wondering, what's a fun-filled day without some delicious food and great music? We had it all! The Steel City Cafe food truck tantalized our taste buds, and DJs set the mood with some fantastic beats. Local artists showcased their talent too, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Bikram Mishra (photo left) poses with Steel City Cafe, a local food truck.
But let's not forget the real stars of the show—the amazing volunteers and partners who made it all possible. We had support from organizations like Evolution Laboratories LLC, DarkGhost Entertainment, Conscious Energy Consultants, Southern Colorado Recycling, Altitude Solar Power, and Community Connections LLC, just to name a few. They came together to ensure everyone had a fantastic time and learned something new.
Jessica Ericson from Community Connections LLC (photo left) with some of the volunteer members from the Pueblo Archaeological and Historical Society.
And guess what? Three clubhouses from the Boys and Girls Clubs in Pueblo joined us, and they had a blast! Homeschool groups and local families also took part, making it a truly inclusive experience.
The feedback we received was heartwarming. The Outdoor Equity and Education Manager for the Boys and Girls Club Pueblo shared that many of the children rarely had opportunities to engage in outdoor activities like this. For one child, it was even the "best day of my life!" That just goes to show how powerful and impactful these events can be.
Photo left to right; Jasmine Saxon, Community Connections LLC, Bikram Mishra, Evolution Laboratories, LLC, Jessica Ericson, Community Connections LLC, and Manolito Llanas, property owner, courtesy of Bikram Mishra, June 23, 2023.
In the end, "Digging Into History" achieved its objective of bringing the community together to celebrate and learn about archaeology. With approximately 100 participants and 122 reserved tickets, we touched the hearts and minds of many. The event underscored the significance of community engagement in Pueblo, ensuring that history and archaeology continue to be valued and shared.
So, my fellow time-travelers, remember that history is not just confined to dusty books and museum displays. It's alive and waiting to be discovered in the very soil beneath our feet. Who knows, maybe someday you'll become the next great archaeologist, unearthing stories from the past and bringing them to life!
See you on our next adventure! Until then, keep digging into history, keep exploring, and keep having fun! We've got more fun things to share with you in 2 weeks - make sure you subscribe!
See you soon!
Jasmine & Jess (J&J) 🌳
@CommunityConnectionsLLC
➡️ In our next blog we'll talk about the exciting and newly annual event - Archaeology Day in Fairplay, Colorado!
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