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Expedition 23 at Moundville, Alabama
2001

The University of Alabama Museum of Natural History Expedition 23 was held June 10 through July 7, 2001 at Moundville Archaeological Park.

The expedition hosted authentic scientific digs with professional and academic archaeologists for high school students, teachers, and others interested in learning archaeological field techniques, lab procedures, and artifact identification. For one week, participants lived in a base camp overlooking the Black Warrior River at Moundville Archaeological Park.

Dr. Jim Knight of The University of Alabama guided the archaeological fieldwork, helping to uncover the secrets of the ancient civilization of Moundville, one of the preeminent archaeological sites in North America. Occupied during the Mississippian Period (A.D. 1000 to 1500), Moundville was the capital city of one of the largest and most powerful prehistoric Indian communities in the Southeast. The site's earthen mounds, once topped by temples, council houses, and homes of nobility, are remnants of a ceremonial and economic center whose trade routes extended across the entire lower Mississippi River Valley.

Since 1979 the Museum Expedition has provided safe, informative, and unforgettable experiences for more than 2,000 participants each summer. For many young people, the Expedition has been the catalyst leading to a science major in college and a science career afterwards. It offers high school students an opportunity to develop projects for science and social studies fairs, and with advance arrangements, students may also receive elective high school credit. Teachers who participate can earn University of Alabama Continuing Education units and professional development hours.

 

An Expedition Scholarship Fund has been established for students based on need and a demonstrated enthusiasm for learning. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Expedition Scholarship Fund or to nominate a student to receive a scholarship, please call (205) 348-2136 or send e-mail to museum.expedition@ua.edu .

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