Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum set to host Native American day

A dancer with the Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Eagle, from Chaffee, Mo. performs during last year's Native American Day at the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center in Piggott. The dancers, along with many of the other popular attractions, will be featured again at this year's event which is set for Saturday, Sept. 19.
(Times file photo)

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Activities will begin at noon and continue through 3 p.m. that day on the museum grounds, and the gates will open at 11:30 that morning . There is no charge for admission but there will be no house tours that day.

Making yet another return visit this year will be R.W. "Dub" Lyerly from Ash Flat, an amateur archeologist. Lyerly will be on hand to identify artifacts and answer questions. He also will speak about the history of the early inhabitants of Northeast Arkansas, including the natives that lived in the Piggott area hundreds of years ago.

Another feature will be knappers, who will be demonstrating the art of "knapping." The process used to by Native Americans to produce arrowheads and other tools. This will give visitors the opportunity to see an arrowhead crafted from scratch.

The museum also is pleased to welcome back Boy Scouts from Chaffee, Mo., that are members of the "Order of the Arrow." This group will once again perform authentic Native American dances in full period dress. This year the Scouts will again be setting up an Indian village complete with tepees, displays and will be doing demonstrations of Native American crafts.

Organizers also report there will be free hot dogs and soft drinks and a variety of souvenirs from the museum store will be on sale. They also plan several activities for the kids and the young at heart including games, and the chance to make an authentic "pinch pot."

The Native American Day is hosted each year by the museum in an effort to educate the public and create an interest in the history and culture of the Native Americans of Northeast Arkansas and Clay County.

Those who want more information about the Native American Day activities or the museum and study center may call 870-598-3228. The museum is located on the east end of Heritage Park Road in Piggott.