Hear nationally respected Manti-La Sal National Forest archaeologist Charmaine Thompson speak about the exciting facet of archaeology on Feb. 20 at the Castle Valley Chapter of the Utah Statewide Archaeological Society presentation in the USU Prehistoric Museum at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to collectors and the public.
We all know something about the incredible archaeology of Castle Valley. Places like Nine Mile Canyon and the San Rafael Swell help us know that Castle Valley is rich in places that connect us with ancient people. But if you like “Antiques Roadshow,” you know that objects from the recent past come with remarkable stories, too. Come and learn how the archaeology of Castle Valley’s coal mines, homesteads and towns also connect us with the people of the last 150 years. See how artifacts, foundations and other remains at historic period sites can provide insights into the lives of our immediate ancestors. Also learn why archaeological sites are critical connections between local and family history. Knowing where things happened in the past enriches our understanding of why things happened the way they did. We’ll explore these ideas through the site of Pondtown, a small 1930’s era coal mine located on the Manti-La Sal National Forest west of Scofield Reservoir. Also, learn how to visit historic archaeological sites in ways that respects their former residents and allow you to “read” the stories that remain in them.
Chapter president Craig Royce, author the photo-essay tribute to the last miners of Temple Mountain, Emery County, Utah, Uranium Seekers, which will be displayed at the LA Times Festival of Books in April, wishes to thank the many students and former and present educators including Bruce and Nona Burgess, Margene Hackney, Megan Funk, Maurine Tanner, David Bradfield who contributed to or attended the CVAS Chapter’s January presentation in conjunction with the Prehistoric Museum’s Utah Science Core Curriculum evaluation efforts.
For more information on The “Other” Archaeology of Castle Valley, contact Craig Royce at (435) 888-2234.
