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Press Release

March 9, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dennis Peterson
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
spiro@okhistory.org
http://www.okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds

Celebrate the Vernal Equinox at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center

Spiro, Okla. — Come celebrate the beginning of spring a little differently this year. On March 19 and 20 there will be a series of guided Vernal Equinox Walks at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Visitors can learn from an archaeologist about the significance of the equinox to the American Indian community that called Spiro home. Each day there will be three walks beginning at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., led by archaeologist and manager Dennis Peterson. 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, tales of the unusual happenings associated with the mounds and answer your questions. 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.

The center also will hold its 28th annual Family Kite Flite Day on Saturday, March 21.  This event will include hundreds of people flying kites, kids making bubbles and digging in the sandbox and arts and crafts booths. There will be drawings throughout the day for donated kites. The Kite Flite Day runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is a free admission day for the site.

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 open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. 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, please call 918-962-2062 or email spiro@okhistory.org.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 31 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the Oklahoma Historical Society visit www.okhistory.org.





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