SHUMLA Participates in Amistad Archeology Fair
October 27–28, 2006

Approximately 950 students visited SHUMLA activity stations on Friday, October 27, 2006, the first day of the Amistad Archeology Fair held at the Whitehead Museum in Del Rio. Students and parents crowded the grounds looking at exhibits, watching demonstrations, and taking part in activities at the many booths and displays at the Fair. The event was organized by the National Park Service, Whitehead Memorial Museum, Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, and SHUMLA.

SHUMLA provided hands-on instruction in making bracelets from plant fibers, creating rock art, making flutes, throwing spears with an atlatl, and discussions of Native American lifeways. 

Saturday, October 28, 2006, saw the return of 76 students who had been there on Friday, with an additional 374 attendees.

SHUMLA activities (listing the instructors) were:  painting station, Friday—Dr. Carolyn Boyd and Kathleen Burgess; painting station, Saturday—Angel Johnson with assistance from Carolyn Brooks; cordage station, both days—Missy Harrington with assistance from Robbie Dudley on Friday, and Sonia Sanchez on Saturday; making flutes, both days—Mike Parker; spear throwing with an atlatl, both days—Jack Harrington with assistance from Brenda Norman on Friday; discussion of Native American lifeways with a tipi, both days—Tonda Harrup; simulated archeology dig, Saturday—Kathleen Burgess; corn grinding, Saturday—Angel Johnson; medicinal plants of the Trans-Pecos, Saturday—Dr. Phil Dering.  Both days Jack Harrington took photos while Angel Johnson and Dr. Phil Dering helped out wherever needed.

The Fair was a huge success, enjoyed by all who attended.