Around 16 miles from campus lies an archeological site teeming with more than a thousand years of history: Moundville. The University of Alabama Moundville Archeological Park includes nature trails, a newly renovated museum and Native American sites, and it has been open since 1939.
According to the Moundville Archeological Park website, The Jones Archeological Museum just completed a $5 million renovation. With more than 200 Native American artifacts, it is one of the largest Native American Archeological sites in the United States.
Stephanie Boyd, a junior majoring in art, said she visited the site when she was in elementary school in Birmingham.
“We went as a grade-level to Moundville and I remember it being a lot of fun,” Boyd said. “Learning about how the Native Americans lived in Alabama is always interesting and when the site allows you to [do hands-on things], it makes it so much more memorable.”
She also said though she has not been back since that trip, the park is still just as fascinating as it was when she was a child.
“The new museum is supposed to be more high-tech than it was when I went and they have added more things to do while at the park,” Boyd said.
Saturday the site will be holding one of its “Saturday in the Park” programs. This week’s program focuses on ancient hunting and fishing techniques. According to the Moundville website, Bill Skinner and Chip Wente will be showing visitors tools that Native Americans used in catching animals as well as cooking traditional food in the same way that the Moundville inhabitants once would have.
The program will be held on the banks of the Black Warrior River from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is included in the price of admission. Admission for students is $6 and the park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Adrian Ray, a junior majoring in fashion retail and public relations, said he has visited the park since he came to the University of Alabama from California.
“The park is something you have to see to get a feel for the culture that is found in Tuscaloosa,” Ray said.
He added that the Moundville Archeological Park is one location that remains an important part of the Alabama Native American heritage.
The park is known for being a place to learn about Mississipian Native Americans who lived there hundreds of years ago. By going to visit the park, you are being a part of history, Ray said.
