Spiro Mounds Center to Present Vernal Equinox Walks

Contact: Dennis Peterson
(918) 962-2062

Spiro, OK
March 12, 2008
For Immediate Release

A special and historical way to celebrate the beginning of spring, with all the renewed life and hope that goes with it, will be presented March 19 and 20 at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center.

A series of guided Vernal Equinox walks, with vivid explanations of how spring affected American Indians of more than 1,000 years ago, will be conducted at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Archaeologist and Manager Dennis Peterson will lead the walks and answer questions.

“Each walk will take about two hours and require a mile of easy walking,” Peterson said. “We will take a detailed tour if this unique prehistoric Native American mound site with vivid explanations of the types of mounds and why they were built.

“We also will discuss why some are lined up for the sunsets of the equinoxes in spring and autumn and for the solstices in June and December. The walks will include the history of excavations, Native American ceremonies and stories as well as unusual happenings associated with the mounds. Questions will be welcome.”

The tour includes fees of $3 for adults and $2 for children. No reservations are required except for groups.

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American site open to the public in Oklahoma and is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

It is located three miles east of Spiro on U.S. Highway 271 and State Highway 9 and four miles north on Spiro Mounds Rd. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour, contact the center at (918) 962-2062 or via email at spiromds@ipa.net.

Spiro Mounds Archeological Center
18242 1st Street
Spiro, OK