Press Release
March 7, 2016
Contact: Dennis Peterson
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
spiro@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/sites/spiromounds
Celebrate the Vernal Equinox at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
SPIRO, Okla. — Celebrate the beginning of spring a little differently this year. On March 20 and 21, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will host a series of guided Vernal Equinox Walks. Each day there will be three walks at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., led by archaeologist and manager Dennis Peterson. Each Vernal Equinox Walk will take approximately two hours and require one mile of easy walking. Attendees will learn about the significance of the equinox to the American Indians that called Spiro home. 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 tell the history of the excavations, American Indian ceremonies and stories, tales of the unusual happenings associated with the mounds and answer questions from visitors. 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.
Spiro Mounds also will host its 29th annual Family Kite Flite Day on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event will include hundreds of people flying kites, children digging in the sandbox and making bubbles, families picnicking and visitors browsing arts and crafts booths. Throughout the day, drawings will be held and guests may win a donated kite. Kite Flite Day is a free admission day for the site.
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. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Daily admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $1 for children older than five. 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 contact Dennis Peterson at 918-962-2062 or spiro@okhistory.org.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. 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 OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
