Flint Knapping   Program #: 522705A
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Have you ever wondered how the “arrowheads” you have seen in museums were made? In this class, you will learn how to make them, and about the many different types of stone tools that this technology can produce. UConn archaeologist Heather Cruz will explain how archaeologists are able to identify and date these tools, and how we have determined their various uses. Then, learn to flint-knap to produce your own tool in this exciting workshop!
Instructors: Heather Cruz and Cheri Collins


Atlatl and darts   Program #: 522705B
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Atlatl is an ancient spear throwing device that predates the use of the bow and arrow. It powerfully propels darts that are swift and accurate, enabling ancient hunters to procure big game from a safe distance. The history of this ice-age invention will be discussed by Gary Nolf, member of the World Atlatl Association and atlatl maker. He will bring examples of both traditional-style as well as modern atlatls and darts for you to see. Today, Atlatl contests are a sanctioned sporting event with rules and regulations, and tournaments can be found throughout the world. Nolf is a nationally-acclaimed competitor in sanctioned atlatl contests and has appeared on the David Letterman Show. You can make your own atlatl and dart,then take it outdoors and learn to throw it like a pro!
Instructors: Gary Nolf and Cheri Collins


Traditional Tools of Food Preparation   Program #: 522705C
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Some of our everyday kitchen tools have been in use since prehistory! We will explore the creation and use of some of these traditional tools associated with food preparation including mortar and pestles, graters, ground stone knives, and other items traditionally involved in food processing. Use reproductions tools to prepare foods, then you can make your own "kitchen" tool to take home.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Ancient Foods of New England   Program #: 522705D
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The Ancient Native Americans of the northeast maintained an abundantly healthy and balanced diet throughout the year without having grocery stores or imports from southern farms. How were they able to do this? Find out what archaeologists have learned about the dietary practices of ancient New England, and then you can make some delicious “traveling food” to take home!
Instructor: Cheri Collins


“Cordless” Stone Drills  Program #: 523705A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Long before Black and Decker, people were using the original cordless drills powered by hand! In ancient times, stone and wooden drills were used for wood working and stone working, as well as for fire-starting. Drill your own stone pendant to take home and learn to make a fire without matches, using replicas of prehistoric drills.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Prehistoric-style Pottery   Program #: 523705B
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The invention of pottery was a major advancement in the development of human civilization. In late prehistoric times, the production of ceramic vessels for the storage and cooking of foods became an essential part of daily life. You will learn about the methods and tools that were used to make pottery in ancient New England. Then, make your own reproduction of an ancient style pot to take home.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Bark Storage Containers   Program #: 523705C
Saturday, March 3, 2012
People throughout the northern hemisphere have used birchbark to produce many useful items from storage baskets to works of art. Ancient New Englanders used bark containers for many purposes, from maple sugar storage and food trays to canoes. In this class, you will see some examples of birch bark containers, and learn how to create your own small container of birch bark to take home.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Soapstone Carving   Program #: 523705D
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Soapstone has unusual properties for stone, such as excellent heat and cold retention and it is easily carved and polished. This mineral has been used by people worldwide to produce many items from cookware to works of art. Learn more about its geological formation and the striking versatility of this mineral and see examples of soapstone implements and art objects. Then, using traditional tools, you can make a carving of your own design to take home.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Quilling on Birch Bark  Program #: 523705E
Saturday, March 17, 2012
People throughout the northern hemisphere have used birchbark to produce many useful items from storage baskets to works of art. The Native American art of “embroidering” birch bark boxes and other ornaments with porcupine quills is a beautiful traditional craft. The work of skilled quillwork artists is highly prized by collectors and can be seen in museums. You will learn about the natural history of both birch trees and porcupines, and see slides of amazing and beautiful quilled birch bark containers. Then you can learn this art form by using quills and birch bark to create a bark pendant or pin to take home.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Hide Work   Program #: 523705F
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Ancient peoples throughout the world used animal hides for clothing, tools, and accessories. In this class, you will learn how these hides were prepared and used to make clothing and other useful items. Then, you can make a decorated leather pouch of your own design to take home.
Instructor: Cheri Collins


Bone Work   Program #: 523705G
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Bone is strong, more durable than wood, and easier to modify than stone. Ancient people worldwide used this readily available resource resulting from food processing to produce many items, from arrow points to fish hooks, needles, and jewelry. We will discuss this ancient skill, and, using pieces of bone left over from meat processing, you can learn how to create your own tool to take home!
Instructor: Cheri Collins