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Kentucky Archaeology Spotlighted This Weekend In Red River Gorge

The Kentucky Archaeological Survey/Kentucky Heritage Council.

The state's oldest archaeology event is coming up this weekend in eastern Kentucky.

The free event, Living Archaeology, has taken place since 1989 at Red River Gorge. The Kentucky Archaeological Survey will open a window into the lives of the people who called Kentucky home thousands of years ago. 

Education Coordinator Gwynn Henderson, says it’s also an opportunity to learn more about ourselves.

"While we may or may not be linked to those people who lived here long ago, we all live in the same place.  Their home was Kentucky, our home is Kentucky, we're all Kentuckians.  We're all in the same place and I would charge that those peoples loved their home and their land as much as Kentuckians love their land and home today.  That's the connection," Henderson said.

Credit Alan Lytle
Gwynn Henderson holds up an informational poster charting the technological progress of the indigenous peoples in the Red River Gorge area.

Another goal, according to Henderson, is to dispel myths and false beliefs about the viability and worth of previous generations.

"If we can get past the assumption that simple technology means simple minds and open up to an understanding of the creativity, the adaptability of people and appreciate the diversity of the human experience.  That's what archaeology does for us," Henderson said.

This year's event at Gladie Visitor Center is split into two days:  Friday is reserved for area school groups and Saturday is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

In addition to artifacts there’ll be demonstrations on tanning animal hides, weaving baskets, making pottery, milling corn, and throwing spears.