Auburn Public Library to Host Mobile Archaeology Exhibit

In an ongoing effort to provide enhanced programming for local residents of all ages, the city of Auburn and the  will commemorate National Historic Preservation Month by kicking May off with a visit from the Society for Georgia Archaeology’s Archaeobus and a one-of-a-kind educational youth program called “12,000 Years in 45 Minutes”.

SGA’s Archaeobus is a mobile archaeology exhibit of truly historic proportions featuring hands-on and “minds-on” activities. A 45-minute presentation onboard boasting exciting interactive visuals highlights the society’s mission to “unite all persons interested in the archaeology of Georgia, and to work actively to preserve, study, and interpret Georgia’s human past.” This travelling archaeology classroom is appropriate for ages 9 and up and is a major tool in the Society for Georgia Archaeology’s educational outreach and research projects. 

Presented by Media Prehistoria, “12,000 Years in 45 Minutes” is a unique youth program facilitated by prehistorian, archaeologist, author and primitive skills instructor Scott Jones. With a goal of “interpreting the past for the present”, participants will have an opportunity to discover fire, stone tools and ancient lifeways. Beginning with the Paleo-Indian period, a variety of tools, technologies and ideas will be presented. Explained in relationship to the lifestyles of the people who used them — primarily hunter-gatherers and ancient farmers — among the items demonstrated will be the atlatl (spearthrower), the bow (for launching arrows and as a musical instrument) and the southeastern Rivercane blowgun. Jones will also highlight the use of animals for food, tools, fiber and hide. The program wraps up with a demonstration of fire-making and a discussion of the constructive uses of fire in both ancient and modern times.

Both programs will take place at the Auburn Library on Tuesday, May 1. Participants must pre-register in the coming weeks through the library either on-site at 24 Fifth St. in downtown Auburn or via phone at 770-513-2925. To learn about future programs and events at the Auburn Library, be sure to “like” the library on Facebook.

Don't forget! This weekend is Auburn’s Earth Day Clean-up. Make plans to join other eco-conscious neighbors by tossing your junk, batteries, old cell phones, motor oil, eye glasses, scrap metal, ink cartridges, electronics and more in the containers set up behind Auburn City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21. 

What is your favorite "piece of the past" in Barrow County? Tell us in comments. 

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