Department of Parks
Hands-On Extravaganza At Wickliffe Mounds Sept. 9

WICKLIFFE, Ky. – Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site will be participating in the Wickliffe Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, with a “Hands-On Extravaganza.”

Visitors to the museum will be able to try out replicas of some of the pre-historic tools and artifacts to learn how Native Americans used them and lived.

“So many times when we visit museums we are told do not touch, stay behind the rail, view in front of the glass,” said park manager Carla Hildebrand. “But on this occasion, visitors will be encouraged to touch these artifacts to learn more about how Native Americans used them.”

What is it like to chop firewood with a stone axe?  How much effort does it take to use a stone flake to scrape a deer hide?  How difficult is it to twine plant fibers to make rope?  Did you ever wonder how pottery bowls were made?  Experience these questions for yourself on our hands-on activity table extravaganza. 

The Wickliffe Mounds site dates back to 1100 A.D. and was part of the Mississippian culture.  Museum displays interpret the Mississippian Native Americans who lived at the Wickliffe Mounds site.  Replicas of their artifacts will be used in the activities.

Activity exhibits available all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CT); general admission fees provide access to the museum and activities.  Call Wickliffe Mounds at 270-335-3681 for more information.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov