Texas Archeology Month

Each October, Texas Archeology Month (TAM) celebrates the spirit of discovering Texas' past.

It's an opportunity for Texans to understand the depth and richness of our heritage, from the former dwelling sites of prehistoric hunters and gatherers to historic shipwrecks and military sites; historical significance of the state's archeological sites; importance of proper archeological practices; and contributions made by professional and avocational archeologists to our understanding of Texas’ ancient and recent past.

TAM Goes Virtual for 2020!

Given the pandemic, TAM will look quite different this year. The THC is working to reorganize TAM for it to be safer and more accessible for people interested throughout the state by promoting and facilitating virtual events through our website. These may take the form of videos, virtual tours, online exhibits, lectures, webinars, demonstrations, roundtable discussions, and even downloadable/printable activities for kids. Participants will submit information and content, which will then be promoted through our TAM “portal,” so users can access a variety of activities and events from a single website.

TAM 2020 Calendar of Events

How Can My Organization Participate?

Host/Sponsor a TAM event. Fill out the 2020 Texas Archeology Month Event/Activity Form as soon as possible to have your event advertised on the TAM website. *We understand you may not have all the information yet (tentative dates/times, still searching for speakers, etc.), and that’s okay! Just submit what you have now and send the TAM coordinator updates as needed.
Promote TAM events and activities by sharing our webpage (thc.texas.gov/tam) on websites, listservs, and social media.
Participate and Engage in virtual TAM events and activities!
As in previous years, we have FREE archeology-related materials (posters, brochures, educational materials) to distribute to the public during TAM or any other time of year. Submit a Public Outreach Materials Order Form or email Donna McCarver (donna.mccarver@thc.texas.gov) to have them mailed to you free of charge.

What Can We Do? Ideas for Events and Activities

Lectures, Presentations, brownbags, webinars, roundtable-discussion panels, virtual happy hours via Zoom, Webex, Facebook live, etc.
Demos/How-tos (pre-recorded and/or live events) on an archeological process (e.g., flintknapping, fire-making, etc.)
Online exhibits of artifacts, photos, etc.
Virtual tours of archeological sites, museums, and historic sites
Movie/short film screenings (with group discussions afterward?)
Downloadable/printable activities: puzzles of artifacts/paintings, coloring pages, instructions for activities using household objects (newspapers/magazines/grocery bags for weaving baskets, rocks in the yard for painted rock activities). These could even be tied to a pre-recorded or live demonstration, and photos of finished products can be posted.
Sponsor a contest—best essay/blog posts, virtual scavenger hunts, prizes for finished products from demos/guided activities above
Social Media—publish blog posts on archeological topics, share photos of finished products from the activities/demonstrations

Best Practices for Virtual Events and Activities

Avoid lists of resources—they’re overwhelming.
Make sure activities:
- Are short and discrete
- Do not require parental assistance
- Use objects found around the home (for example, using newspapers/magazines/grocery bags for weaving baskets)
Keep pages easy to navigate

Need Help? Contact Us!

We can assist with locating speakers and discussion moderators, selecting an appropriate platform, scheduling, and other troubleshooting. We are open to ideas, questions, and suggestions! Please contact TAM Coordinator Maggie Moore at Maggie.Moore@thc.texas.gov.

Thank you for your patience as the THC works to continue the tradition of TAM!

The THC is proud to sponsor TAM in association with the Texas Archeological Society and the Council of Texas Archeologists (CTA). Each year, the CTA offers grants (up to $500 each) to finance public education and outreach programs during TAM. Information on how to apply can be found at CTA Public Outreach Grants.

More About Texas Archeology Month