Stone tool workshop planned in Meeteetse

Join the Meeteetse Museums on Saturday, June 18 beside the First National Bank Museum in Meeteetse at 10 am for a stone tool knapping workshop.

The workshop, which starts at 10 am, is led by Dr. Lawrence Todd, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Colorado State University, and special guest, John Kiernan.

Kiernan studied Experimental Archaeology with a concentration on lithic technology/evolution of lithic technology, as well as the development of weapons from prehistory until the Viking age at Archaeology, University of Exeter.

Stone tools have been in use for an extraordinary 3 million years. In this workshop, Dr. Todd will introduce participants to knapping basics, key terms, and tool use. Then, John Kieran will join the workshop to guide participants through the manufacturing of two projectile points: the Rosegate (Late Prehistoric arrow point) and Pahaska Side-Notched (Early Archaic dart point). Both the Rosegate and Pahaska Side-Notched points were excavated from local archaeological site 48PA201, sometimes referred to as “Mummy Cave.” A rock shelter, 48PA201 represents almost 9,000 years of continuous occupation.

After a half hour break for lunch, participants will rejoin to learn about cross-dating, an approach that played a crucial role at 48PA201, why context matters, and the secrets of debitage.

Participants will receive a Georgetown flint nodule/core and hammerstone for the workshop. The program is free to attend and does not require an RSVP. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, bring a lunch or snack, and are encouraged to bring water and sunscreen as it may be hot. The event will last from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The Meeteetse area is home to numerous ranches with rich histories. Join the Meeteetse Museums as we explore the history of the Whit Ranch. Originally owned by Fred Whitney, the Whit Ranch became part of the Pitchfork’s vast holdings. Most recently, the ranch was where Big Joe, the Meeteetse Museums newest grizzly bear, was removed. Big Joe weighed an astounding 623 pounds in April 2018, just out of hibernation.

Also on June 18, the Meeteetse Museums will host a tour of the ranch guided by Joe Thomas. Guests are asked to pre-register since the event is on private property. The tour will leave from the Meeteetse Museums at 9:45 a.m. sharp. Guests are required to bring their own vehicles. The tour will take place from 10 a.m. until noon. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen and water for this two-hour tour. Pre-registration for the event closes at 9 a.m. the day of the event.

These events are made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Humanities.

For more information, visit http://www.meeteetsemuseums.org, email programs@meeteetsemuseums.org, or call (307) 868-2423. All pre-registration must be done over the phone, emailed registration requests will not be accepted.