(MURFREESBORO) September is Tennessee Archaeology Awareness Month, and the Rutherford County Archaeological Society is sponsoring a free and family-friendly Archaeology Day from 1:00 to 4:00 Sunday afternoon, September 23, 2018 at Oaklands Park.

Rutherford County Archaeological Society President Laurel Bartel said, "Our group looks forward to celebrating it with the community and honoring Tennessee's rich history and archaeological resources."

Bartel excitedly announced that there would be several new additions to this year's Archeology Day activities at Oaklands Park. She noted that the local society's displays along with exhibits from the Tennessee Council for Professional Archaeology, Middle Tennessee State University Archaeology Department, Middle Tennessee Anthropology Society (MTSU students), Earth Experience-Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, Stones River National Battlefield Park, Flintknapper Michael Miller, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, Oaklands Mansion, Archaeology Division of Tennessee Department of Transportation (T-DOT), Rutherford County Historical Society, as well as Middle Tennessee State University Forensic Institute for Research.

She said the September 23rd afternoon will include artifact viewings, hands-on activities such as grinding corn the ancient way, a mini dig, making a petroglyph, using an atlatl spear thrower, ancient tattoos, face painting and much more.

In addition, the Middle Tennessee Metal Detecting Club will present their unique findings. This group collaborated with the Rutherford County Archaeological Society in a battlefield salvage project.

By the way, Oaklands Park is next to Oaklands Mansion and across from the new Murfreesboro Police Department and the Evergreen Cemetery. That's at the corner of Highland Avenue and Roberts Street.

The Rutherford County Archaeological Society is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to sharing and protecting the past. For more information, go to rutherfordarchaeology.org and facebook.com/rcastennessee.

Donations and sponsors are greatly appreciated so that the Rutherford County Archaeological Society may continue providing Archaeology Day and other free events for the public. Donations may be made at rutherfordarchaeology.org. For sponsorship information, email rcastennesse@gmail.com or call 615-995-2979.