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For families who have ever wondered what can be learned from a broken piece of pottery, an old tool or even the soil beneath their feet, the Texas Archeology Fair offers a chance to see how those clues help tell the story of Texas.

The free, family-friendly event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St. in Austin. Hosted by the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas Science & Natural History Museum, the fair brings archeologists, historians and partner organizations together for a day built around discovery.

Hands-on history for all ages

Rather than simply looking at displays behind glass, visitors will be able to take part in interactive activities, demonstrations and exhibits while talking directly with experts from across Texas.

The goal is to show how archeologists study past peoples and cultures through artifacts and other evidence of human activity. For children especially, that can turn Texas history into something much more tangible, giving them a chance to see how researchers piece together stories from objects that may have been left behind hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

This year’s fair will also explore a question many young museum visitors have probably asked: What is the difference between archeology and paleontology?

Archeology focuses on people and human history, while paleontology studies ancient life through fossils. The fair will highlight both the connections and distinctions between the two fields, helping visitors understand how each contributes a different piece to the larger story of the past. 

A fitting setting at Austin’s natural history museum

The Texas Science & Natural History Museum, located on the University of Texas at Austin campus, tells the story of life in Texas from the formation of the planet and the age of dinosaurs to more recent scientific discoveries. That mix of natural history and science makes it a natural setting for an event that brings archeology and paleontology together. 

For Houston-area families considering a weekend trip to Austin, the Texas Archeology Fair can also offer an educational stop that feels more like exploration than a traditional lesson. The museum regularly hosts hands-on programming for children and adults, and Saturday’s fair is listed as free and open to the public. 

Kicking off Texas Archeology Month

The fair also helps launch Texas Archeology Month, the Texas Historical Commission’s statewide October celebration of the state’s history and cultural heritage through archeology.

Throughout the month, museums, historic sites and community organizations across Texas host archeology fairs, demonstrations, presentations, exhibits, walking tours and other activities designed to make the field more accessible to the public. The Texas Historical Commission also maintains a statewide calendar and map so families can find Texas Archeology Month events closer to home.

For families interested in Texas history, science or simply finding something different to do together, Saturday’s fair offers an opportunity to ask questions, handle ideas in a more hands-on way and better understand how pieces of the past continue to shape the story of Texas today.

More information about the Texas Archeology Fair and other Texas Archeology Month events is available through the Texas Historical Commission. 

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more family-friendly events, educational activities and things to do in Austin.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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