Experimental archaeology is a key component of living history. Historical documents like diaries and newspapers only give you so much information. Likewise with excavated materials: sometimes you just don’t know what an artifact was used for or by whom. Experimental archaeology allows for scientists to explore the creation methods and use of everyday items, in order to better understand the archaeological collection.

For Archaeology Day 2021, the Frontier Culture Museum is presenting a day of experimental archaeology. Some of the activities are things the interpreters do on site everyday, which shows how closely living history and archaeology are linked. Other activities are old favorites, like our dig boxes and Eastern Woodland pottery firing.