The Story of Whiskey City is Coming April 26th, 2025

Adult Outdoor Experiences

Description

Uncover the secrets of the past – dig, discover, and experience archaeology firsthand! An outdoor experience offers participants ages 12 and up a hands-on opportunity to engage with archaeologists, analyze artifacts, and contribute to ongoing research and preservation efforts. While the experience will vary daily, there is always something to get involved in.

Activities

Below are some of the activities you may be participating in depending on the team’s focus for the day:

Our research is focusing on the following questions for the 2025 season:

Research Questions

Mt. Nebo (33HA152): This project is a collaboration between our organization and Carriage House Farms, in Mt. Nebo, Ohio. They would like us to know about the site they steward and want to ensure they understand and preserve any remnant archaeology while they continue to expand their operations.

Access Corridor: The “Access Corridor” is a strip of land located within the Oxbow wetland preserve, between Guard Archaeological Preserve (GAP) and the gravel parking lot. In 2022, we started a shovel test pit survey that was continued in 2024 to explore the Access Corridor. ARI will continue the survey and excavate trenches over the next three years to ensure we preserve important archaeological features and artifacts as we develop the area into an interactive walking path for visitors.

What to Expect

  • Digging survey pits or sifting through soil at one of our excavation units
  • Mapping and cataloguing features and artifacts

Archaeologists often explore technologies from the past to learn more about how the people of that time utilized the tools of their place.

Research Questions

  • How did ancient people locate and process salt to complete their nutrition?
  • How was clay gathered and processed to make pottery? How were shell and stone selected and prepared to make temper pottery?
  • What are the best materials for making stone tools? Which tools work best for flaking stone?

What to Expect

  • Collecting and processing local clay
  • Creating cordage and fiber art projects

Preserving the past means also preserving the land. Our Stew Crew is always hard at work managing the plants and protecting the land at the Guard Archaeological Preserve.

Research Questions

  • How does removal of invasive species affect the biodiversity of our preserve?
  • How do different plants affect the archaeology underground?

What to Expect

  • Working in our gardens
  • Conducting bioblitzes and removing invasive plant species

Other activities that are always available include:

REXplore Augmented Reality: Tour an 800-year-old village using an iPad. Immerse yourself in history with Rex as your tour guide!

Atlatl Range: Learn how ancient hunters used to hunt game with a tool older than the bow and arrow.

River of Time Trails and Wall of Knowledge: Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and walk the trails. Signage along the trails and our fence line will tell you the story of Guard Archaeological Preserve over time.

How To Prepare

Wear hiking clothes that can get dirty. Bring plenty of water & snacks. Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, sturdy shoes, or hiking boots are recommended.

*if you have accessibility issues, please call prior to your experience so we can accommodate you*

Pricing:

$30 per person

When:

June-October
Wednesdays & Saturdays 10am or 2pm

Location:

ARI Base Camp 126 W High Street Lawrenceburg IN 47025

Age Requirement:

12+

Activity Level:

Active (kneeling, standing for long periods of time, etc.)

Length:

2-3 Hours

*For groups larger than 12, please contact Samy, our Director of Programming at samy@exploreari.org

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