October 15–16, 2004 were exciting days at the Whitehead Museum in Del Rio. Students and parents crowded the grounds for the Amistad Archeological Fair looking at exhibits, watching demonstrations, and taking part in activities at the many booths and displays. The fair was organized by the National Park Service, Whitehead Memorial Museum, Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, and SHUMLA. Over the course of two days, the Fair was attended by 1231 children and 394 adults.
Some of the activities included atlatl spear throwing, blacksmithing, flintknapping, spinning wool, flute making, and much more. SHUMLA provided hands-on instruction in making bracelets from plant fibers, creating rock art, and storytelling.
Manning the SHUMLA stations were Dr. Carolyn Boyd, Jack Harrington, Dr. Phil Dering, and the Tipi Tellers, Tsagoi and Shelby Smith. Several of the other instructors at the Fair are regular volunteers and teachers at Shumla School programs.
SHUMLA, the National Park Service, Seminole Canyon State Historical Park, the Whitehead Museum, and Del Rio Mayor Acala jointly signed a proclamation declaring October 15–16, 2004 as Archeology Days in Val Verde County. |
