November is recognized as National American Indian Heritage Month! The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
This year, Moundville Archaeological Park is celebrating Native American Heritage Month with award-winning Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma artist, Mary Smith, and her apprentice for the month, Nancy Spain (Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma), as our Collaborative Artists-in-Residence at Moundville Archaeological Park. These events have been sponsored by The University of Alabama’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and have been made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Events
November 4: Mini Mat Weaving with Mary Smith
November 9: Corn Husk Doll Making with Mary Smith
On Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, visitors to Moundville Archaeological Park are invited to learn how to make (and take home) a corn husk doll with Mary Smith of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma. This program is free with park admission and will take place either in or around Jones Archaeological Museum or in front of Mound B, pending weather conditions. Visitors will receive a wrist band in the Jones Archaeological Museum once they have paid admission. Capacity will be set at a maximum of 30 people. Registration is required through our online form.
November 9: Astronomy Night in the Park
Join Moundville Archaeological Park on November 9, 2023 from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm for storytelling with the Moundville Education Department and Stargazing with The University of Alabama’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. This program is free with non-perishable donation for the Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Drive. A collection bin will be located near the astronomy viewing area near Mound B.
November 11: Basket Weaving with Mary Smith
On Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, visitors to Moundville Archaeological Park are invited to learn how to make (and take home) a small basket with Mary Smith, a Master Weaver with the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma. This program is free with park admission and will take place either in or around Jones Archaeological Museum or in front of Mound B, pending weather conditions. Visitors will receive a wrist band in the Jones Archaeological Museum once they have paid admission. Capacity will be set at a maximum of 30 people. Registration is required through our online form.
November 17: Demonstration Day with Mary Smith
On Friday, November 17, 2023 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, Mary Smith, Master Weaver with the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma, will be inside the Jones Archaeological Museum, demonstrating different weaving techniques throughout the day. This program is free with park admission.
November 18: Ceramic Pottery Class with Mary Smith
On Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, visitors to Moundville Archaeological Park are invited to learn how to make (and take home) a small ceramic vessel. This class will be taught by Mary Smith of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma. This program is free with park admission and will take place either at the Jones Archaeological Museum Conference Center. This program is free with park admission. Registration is required through our online form.
November 30: Native American Heritage Artist-in-Residency Museum Induction
On Thursday, November 30, 2023, Mary Smith and Nancy Spain from the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma will be inside the Jones Archaeological Museum at Moundville Archaeological Park, revealing their artwork. Light refreshments will served. Registration is required through our online form.
Schedule:
- 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm: Demonstrations in Jones Archaeological Museum
- 4pm Light Refreshments and Artwork Reveal in Jones Archaeological Museum