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Archaeological Laboratory Hosts Open House

New lab director encourages community to experience archaeology first hand. UWG's Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory, is opening the lab to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on today.

Dr. Ashley Smallwood, new director of UWG’s Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory, is opening the lab to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Guests are invited for hands-on experiences in the laboratory including an opportunity to participate in an archaeological dig, learn flintknapping and take a tour of the lab. The Carroll County Boys and Girls Club teen program will volunteer with the event.

Visitors will be have the opportunity to learn flintknapping, the process that Native Americans used in making their stone tools and points for hunting activities. James Spake, retired UWG employee, will be on hand to demonstrate. The lab will also showcase how Native Americans hunted by doing spear-throwing demonstrations. Guests will be invited to participate in an archeological dig in the lab’s on-site mock excavation pit.

Smallwood, who joined the lab as director in August 2012, encourages visitors to come experience the excitement of archaeology first hand. “The Waring Lab is a very important part of the community,” she says. “We help preserve the most significant archaeological collections in Georgia – Georgia's rich cultural history. We are a destination for major researchers who are studying and explaining the archaeological record. More importantly, we provide opportunities for students who want hands-on experiences with collections.”

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This year, the Carroll County Boys and Girls Club teen program will be assisting visitors at the event. They have been trained by lab curator Susie Fishman-Armstrong to help lead visitors in understanding the role and importance of archaeology and about our role in preserving cultural heritage.

UWG anthropology undergraduate students will also be volunteering.    Community members are also encouraged to bring personal artifacts for professional identification. Smallwood, along with UWG professors Dr. Tom Jennings and Dr. Ben Steere, will be on hand to examine the artifacts and provide context for their history. According to Smallwood, the open house is an opportunity for the faculty to introduce themselves to the community.

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“It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the UWG faculty and staff, especially in the context of a fun archaeological adventure,” she says. “We have a new and energetic faculty ready to interact with the community and eager to talk with them about Georgia history.”

For more information about the Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory and the open house, visit waring.westga.edu or call 678-839-6303.


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