Winter Solstice at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center

Come to the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center on December 21, 2014, for guided walks to learn about the winter solstice and how American Indians dealt with the changes in the seasons. The pace of life today is so rushed and hectic that the natural rhythms of the sun, moon and stars are forgotten. American Indian farmers understood these rhythms. In the rhythm of the sun, the winter solstice is a period of rest, preparation and celebration.

Archaeologist and manager Dennis Peterson will lead guided tours starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Each walk will take about two hours and require a mile of easy walking. Peterson will tell about this unique prehistoric American Indian mound site, the types of mounds, why they were created and why some of the mounds are lined up for the sunsets of the solstices and equinoxes. He will discuss the history of the excavations, American Indian ceremonies and stories and tales of the unusual happenings associated with the mounds. For those wishing to see the sunset, the 2 p.m. walk will end just before sunset, which is when the alignment will take place. Come out to experience one of the most unique historical sites in the United States as seen through the eyes of an archaeologist.

There is a small fee for this series of tours of $3 for adults and $2 for children, in addition to the daily admission fee. No reservations are required except for large groups. Be certain to dress for the weather.

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric American Indian site open to the public in Oklahoma and is administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The center is regularly open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. The center does close for state holidays. Daily admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $1 for children older than six. The center is located three miles east of Spiro, Okla., on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour during the solstice walks or some other time, please call 918-962-2062 or email spiro@okhistory.org.