Citing Wyoming’s diverse population and a rich cultural heritage stretching back at least 13,000 years and the connection to Wyoming’s citizens past, present and future, Governor Matt Mead proclaimed September, Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month (WAAM).

A reception in the Governor’s honor was held after the proclamation signing in the University of Wyoming’s Department of Anthropology.

September’s WAAM celebration will include the 18th Annual George C. Frison Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology sponsored lecture titled “The Role of the Rocky Mountains in the Peopling of the Americas,” by Bonnie Pitblado, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropolgy and Rovert E. and Virginia Bell Chair in the Anthropology Department, University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Pitblado’s lecture will take place in the University of Wyoming Ag Auditorium, September 23 at 4 p.m. A reception will follow in the Department of Anthropology foyer.

Also this year, an archaeology fair will be held at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie on September 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will showcase Wyoming’s rich cultural heritage from prehistory to the present day and will provide a unique and fun hands-on learning experience for all ages.

Planned events include flint knapping, atlatl throwing, and pottery making demonstrations, as well as hide painting, cordage making, soapstone carving and more.

The centerpiece of WAAM is a poster produced every year. It is distributed statewide, nationally, and internationally to more than 5,000 people and organizations to commemorate Wyoming Archaeology Awareness Month.

The 2016 WAAM poster highlights a century of Paleoindian archaeology in Wyoming.

The poster is available free of charge, and may be picked up at the State Historic Preservation Office, Barrett Building, 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, or in Laramie in the Anthropology Building located at 12th and Lewis, Room 312. The posters are also available via mail with a $12 charge to cover mailing costs. Limit one poster per person. Send your request along with a check or money order payable to “Wyoming Archaeology Month” and your name and mailing address to: Judy Wolf, State Historic Preservation Office, Wyoming Archaeology Month, Dept. 3431, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071.

WAAM 2016 t-shirts and caps are available via http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/pdf/Archaeology%20t-shirt%20order%20form%202016.pdf

Short-sleeved shirts are available at a cost of $16. Shirts in sizes 2XL are available for an additional $1.50. Long-sleeved shirts are available for $24. Add $1.50 for size 2XL. Caps are available for $16. Proceeds benefit WAAM activities.

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