Come See Tipis, Homesteading, Flint Knapping and the Eclipse at the Trails Center
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Casper, Wyo - Fill your weekend with knowledge at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6, during three free programs.
Build and adorn your own tipi, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. during the free interactive youth program, “Tipis on the Plains.” Join in the discussion of how tipis on the plains differed in size, decoration and design. Learn how to knock, sit, and behave within the dwelling. Children can construct and decorate their own miniature three-pole tipi.
NHTIC volunteer Jean Smart will bring to life the daily rigors and routines of pioneer life during the free program, “Life of a Woman Homesteader.” Learn about Dutch oven cooking, a pioneer encampment, different foods brought along the trails, entertainment, and much more. This program will take place outside near the Pony Express cabin Saturday, August 5 at 1 p.m.
Learn the ancient art of crafting stone tools at the NHTIC on Saturday at 1 p.m. during the free educational workshop, “Flint Knapping.” Do you want to learn how the Native Americans made flint arrowheads? Local BLM flint knapping expert Patrick Walker will teach his skill to the public. Patrick has been flint knapping for over 15 years.
“In order to better understand Native American cultures, I think it is important for archaeologists to learn and experience how they made their tools,” says Walker. “Scholars and enthusiasts of archeology or history can benefit from this hands-on workshop.”
This workshop is free-of-charge but registration is restricted to the first ten applicants. Applicants must be 18 or older. Most materials will be supplied; participants are encouraged to bring safety glasses and leather gloves.
Discover the wonders of a solar eclipse on Sunday, August 6 at 1 p.m. during the free program, “2017 Total Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know.” Casper Planetarium’s Michele Wistisen will provide an in-depth look into how to properly prepare for and appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime event!
The NHTIC Afternoon Talks are short interpretive programs, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, and are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact NHTIC by calling (307) 261-7780.
The NHTIC is a part of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS.) The areas of the NLCS are specifically designed to conserve, protect and restore the exceptional scientific, natural, cultural, ecological, historical, and recreation values of these treasured landscapes.
The NHTIC is a public-private partnership between the BLM and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The facility is located at 1501 N. Poplar Street, Casper, Wyoming.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.