WNEM TV 5 Digging it at a new history museum exhibit

A new exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum features archaeological treasures found at Colonial Michilimackinac. Visitors can also practice using an "atlatl."

The event kicks off the first in the "History Beneath Your Feet" series, featuring five Saturdays of archaeology-themed programs at the museum sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

On Oct. 1, Mackinac State Historic Parks archaeologist Dr. Lynn Evans will share recent treasures found at Colonial Michilimackinac, where one million artifacts have been unearthed since 1959 in one of the longest ongoing digs in the nation. The program begins at 1 p.m. in the Forum on the museum's first floor.

Also on Oct. 1, Mike Maur and Ron Burk of the Michigan Archaeological Society will be on hand throughout the day, guiding visitors on the technique of using an atlatl (spear thrower) to shoot at a deer target. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the museum's south lawn.

The "History Beneath Your Feet" series celebrating Archaeology Month continues at the museum on Oct. 8, 15, 22 and Nov. 5.

Presentations include a look at artifacts found beneath Lake Huron; near the Beaumont Tower at Michigan State University; and in downtown Flint.

Family friendly activities round out the series, with tool-making demonstrations, rubbings of rock carvings, a junior archaeologist workshop and more.

Visit www.michigan.gov/museum and click on "View All Events" for more detailed information on the series.

While at the museum, you can stop at the first-floor exhibitsgallery where the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil Warcontinues with the Plowshares Into Swords special exhibit.

Michigan Historical Museum admission is $6 foradults 18-64. Children through age 5 are free; youth ages 6-17 pay an optional$2; and seniors 65 and up pay $4. Annual passes are available. Visit www.michigan.gov/museum for details.

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