Hands-on activities at archeology fairs allow families to learn how archeologists excavate a site.

The TAM poster, which is free upon request, focuses on the Red River War. (Background map of Texas by Erwin Raisz)

If the history of human experience in Texas were a book, most of the pages would be blank. For all we know about human cultures, lives, and activities in Texas, much more remains unknown, and much is yet to be discovered.

Each October, Texas Archeology Month (TAM) celebrates this spirit of discovery. It's an opportunity for Texans to understand the

• Depth and richness of our heritage, from the former dwelling sites of prehistoric hunters to ancient shipwrecks and Civil War sites

• Historical significance of the state's archeological sites

• Importance of proper archeological practices

• Contributions of professional and avocational archeologists

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is proud to sponsor TAM in association with the Texas Archeological Society and the Council of Texas Archeologists.

Texas Archeology Month 2011 begins October 1. This year's celebration includes:

• Demonstrations of native crafts and technologies

• Lectures on archeological topics

• Special education exhibits that focus on archeological sites or topics

• Tours of archeological sites, laboratories, or exhibits

• Hands-on activities, such as mock digs and rock art replication

Texas Archeology Month Calendar
Numerous organizations and institutions around the state host public events during October in observance of TAM. The THC compiles TAM event information and produces the TAM Calendar, which is distributed in late August as a printed piece and posted on the THC web site.

Download the new printed 2011 TAM Calendar (pdf).

Latest event editions are provided in periodic updates to the online 2011 TAM Calendar (Word).

Texas Archeology Month Grants
Unfortunately, TAM grants, which are funded by the Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF), are not available in 2011.

Free Materials for Event Hosts
A variety of printed material —manuals to help organizers plan an archeology fair or classroom project, TAM posters and educational brochures—are available at no charge to TAM event hosts. To request these publications, you may use the TAM materials order form (pdf), send an email, or call Donna McCarver (512.463.6090).

Friends of Texas Archeology Month
Printing costs for the TAM Calendar of Events and TAM poster are largely funded through donations. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the TAM 2011 contributors (Word).

For more information about Texas Archeology Month, email the Archeology Division or call 512.463.6096.