New Mexico Historic Preservation Division Partners with Mu Alpha Nu to Host 2019 New Mexico Archaeology Fair & Blackwater Draw NHL Atlatl Competition

October 2nd, 2019

 (Santa Fe, New Mexico) – The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division is joining forces with Mu Alpha Nu Anthropology Club from Eastern New Mexico University and Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark (NHL) to host the 2019 New Mexico Archaeology Fair, Celebrating 90 Years of Archaeological Research at Blackwater Draw NHL.  Free and open to the public, the Archaeology Fair will be held Saturday Oct. 26 at Blackwater Draw NHL, near Portales.

A division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) Archaeology Fair offers an opportunity for children and adults to experience activities associated with cultures that trace their origins back thousands of years. Simultaneously, they can learn techniques developed over the last 150 years that have helped us better understand the lives of some of New Mexico’s earliest inhabitants.

Gates open at 9 a.m. The fair runs until 3 p.m. The Atlatl Competition begins at 10 a.m. The Director’s bonebed tour begins at 1 p.m.

Blackwater Draw NHL

508 NM Hwy 467, north of Portales.

Call 575-562-2202 for more information or with questions.

There will be staff members on-site from the Historic Preservation Division, archaeologists from Eastern New Mexico University, the New Mexico Archeological Council and other cultural resource professionals.

This year’s activities include: Flintknapping, Pinch Pots, “Stratigraphy in a fishtank,” Atlatl Throwing, Corn Grinding, Traditional Games, Lithic and Ceramic Displays, Yucca crafts and more.  There will also be a bake sale and giveaways.

About the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs:  

http://www.newmexicoculture.org/

Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of our state. The Department oversees a broad range of New Mexico’s arts and cultural heritage agencies which include 15 divisions representing a variety of programs and services. Among its primary functions is the management of the largest state sponsored museum system in the country. New Mexico’s historic sites and state-run museums are located across the state and include: New Mexico Historic Sites, Statewide; New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe; New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe; Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe; Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe; New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo; New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque; New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Las Cruces; National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque; New Mexico State Library: New Mexico Arts; the Center for New Mexico Archaeology;  and the Historic Preservation Division.

Events, news releases and images about activities in divisions of the Department of Cultural Affairs can be accessed at media.newmexicoculture.org