The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is set to host the 2024 Texas Archeology Fair on Saturday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the French Legation State Historic Site in Austin. This event is open to the public at no cost.
Attendees can expect hands-on activities and demonstrations provided by state and local partners, along with take-home activity kits and special exhibits designed for families.
Among the fair's attractions are popular activities such as the atlatl throw, where visitors try their hand at using a prehistoric device that propels a hunting spear farther than possible with just an arm. Another engaging experience is the pinch-pot kits, allowing participants of all ages to create pottery using ancient techniques.
To RSVP for this event, interested individuals can visit https://thc.jotform.com/242315746971058.
The fair will feature various state and local archeology organizations including Acacia Heritage Consulting, Bastrop Independent School District, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Chronicle Heritage LLC, City of Austin’s Oakwood Cemetery, Environmental Research Group, Environmental Resources Management, Inner City Fund, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory at The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Archeological Society, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Science and Natural History Museum, Texas State Preservation Board; and Texas State University’s Center for Archaeological Studies.
This event is part of the broader celebration during Texas Archeology Month each October. The month-long commemoration includes history and heritage events through archeology-themed fairs, demonstrations, presentations, museum exhibits, and walking tours organized by THC alongside statewide partners.
Archeological societies and other groups will host numerous events throughout October with support from volunteers involved in THC’s archeological stewardship program. The THC collaborates with partners like the Texas Archeological Society and Council of Texas Archeologists as co-sponsors for these activities.
For those interested in ordering free pinch-pot kits or learning more about getting involved in related events near them during this commemorative month can visit thc.texas.gov/tam for further information.
