Press Release
April 24, 2025
Contact: Anna Vincent
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-962-2062
[email protected]
www.okhistory.org/spiromounds
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center to Celebrate 47th Anniversary and Hold Archaeological Field School This Summer
SPIRO, Okla. — Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will hold two exciting events for visitors this spring — a Birthday Bash to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the site’s opening and the return of archaeological excavations.
The Center invites everyone to celebrate its 47th anniversary on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-day event will offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the site’s history as well as its future. Guests can speak with the site director about upcoming projects planned for the site in the coming months, including new trail signage, mound rehabilitation and a new exhibit in the interpretive center. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day at this family-friendly event.
Two days after Birthday Bash, Spiro Mounds will host its second archaeological field school in two years. Students from the University of Oklahoma and beyond will participate in excavations from Monday, May 12, to Friday, June 13, giving visitors the opportunity to observe live archaeological fieldwork. While the field school is not open to volunteers, visitors may observe excavations and ask questions from designated areas along the trails. To protect the work of the archaeologists, visitors are asked to remain behind barriers at all times. The excavations will not always coincide with Spiro Mounds’ business hours, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead with any questions about seeing the excavations.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American site open to the public in Oklahoma and is administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the site is currently free while updates are made to the visitor center and grounds. The center is located three miles east of Spiro, Okla., on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Rd. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour, please contact Anna Vincent at 918-962-2062 or [email protected].
The 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 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.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center are available upon request.
