Grab your curiosity and gear up for a day of discovery at the Passaic County Archaeology Center in Ringwood, New Jersey! We are throwing open our doors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for an action-packed day of hands-on history. Whether you are a lifelong history buff looking to sharpen your skills, seeking a unique weekend outing, or a family ready for an interactive adventure, there is something incredible waiting for everyone. Come connect with local history, try something completely new, and help us celebrate the cultural treasures of our community.

The day begins with fresh pastries and coffee paired with a lecture introducing the world of archaeology and the hidden history buried right here in Passaic County. From there, visitors can step behind the scenes for a guided lab and gallery tour to see exactly where real historical discoveries are analyzed and how. The excitement continues outdoors with a live flintknapping demonstration where you can watch sparks fly as stone tools are crafted by hand. Attendees can also master the compass in an interactive grid-mapping challenge, learning exactly how to survey a site just like professional archaeologists. A realistic mock excavation sandbox offers an authentic, hands-on dig experience, though space is strictly limited to ten eager participants. Finally, history enthusiasts of all ages can test their skills at an artifact mending station, sorting and piecing together broken pottery fragments to learn how experts identify and catalog artifacts. We cannot wait to see you there!