The Department of Anthropology took a group of students, faculty, and staff to the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village this past weekend for Archaeology Day. Attendees heard lectures from archaeologists from the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology who also helped identify artifacts and demonstrated prehistoric technology like flintknapping. A special exhibit displayed lithic (stone) tools as well, and students were able to participate by using items to grind corn, or use an atlatl, which is an ancient device used to propel spears
Additionally, there was an Archaeology Day Workshop where guest speakers talked to guests about handling and preserving found items. The Pitt group was also given a tour of the grounds where they learned about the site’s excavation which began in 1972 and was led by Dr. James Adovasio, a former University of Pittsburgh professor.