The Rutherford County Archaeological Society (RCAS) is happy to announce its free and family-friendly Archaeology Day, 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 3, at the Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd. in Murfreesboro.

The event will be indoors in the gymnasium. Both fun and educational, the event includes numerous archaeological displays, artifact viewings and many hands-on activities. Highlights include grinding corn the ancient way, a mini-dig, making a petroglyph, a “be an archaeologist” photo-op, ancient tattoos face painting and much more.

New this year with their own displays and activities are the Tennessee Council for Professional Archaeology, Middle Tennessee State University archaeology department, Middle Tennessee Anthropology Society (MTSU students), Earth Experience-Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, Stones River National Battlefield Park, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, Oaklands Mansion, Archaeology Division of TDOT, Middle Tennessee State University Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE), and the Middle Tennessee Metal Detecting Club, which collaborated with RCAS on a battlefield salvage project.

RCAS looks forward to sharing archaeology with the public and honoring Tennessee’s rich history and archaeological resources. RCAS is an all-volunteer, nonprofit dedicated to sharing and protecting the past. For more information, go to www.rutherfordarchaeology.org and www.facebook.com/rcastennessee.

Donations and sponsors are greatly appreciated so RCAS may continue providing Archaeology Day and other free events for the public. Donations may be made at rutherfordarchaeology.org. 

Image: A girl works on a petroglyph at RCAS Archaeology Day in 2015. (Photo by Michelle Willard)