Clay County Times-Democrat: Local News: Native American Day set at museum (09/08/10)

Members of the Order of the Arrow dancers from the Cape Girardeau area perform at the 2009 Native American Day at the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott.
(Times file photo)

[Click to enlarge]

The sights and sounds of a bygone era will come to life Saturday, Sept. 18, as the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center hosts its seventh annual Native American Day.

Activities will be going on from noon to 3 p.m. that day on the grounds of the museum, located at 1071 Heritage Park Drive in Piggott. There will be no house tours that day and there is no charge for admission.

Many of the favorites will be returning for this year's event, including the "Order of the Arrow" Boy Scout dancers from the Cape Girardeau area. The group will again be on hand this year to perform Native American dances in full regalia. The group will also construct an authentic village scene, complete with tipis and time-period correct tools and possessions.

Knappers will also be in attendance again this year, demonstrating the ancient art of flint knapping used by Native Americans to produce arrowheads and other tools.

Amateur archeologist R.W. "Dub" Lyerly from Ash Flat will once again be on hand this year. Lyerly has spent many years stydying the history of the area's early inhabitants and will be available to answer questions and help identify artifacts.

Event organizers said PHS art instructor Jerri Tate will again be assisting kids in making authentic "pinch pots" as souvenirs.

The museum staff will serve free hot dogs and soft drinks and offer special items from the gift shop for under $5.

The local museum, which features an extensive collection of Native America artifacts, hosts the event each September. The staff and trustees said everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs and attend.

The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center also houses one of the world's top collections of gems, minerals, geodes and crystals.

The facility is situated on 11 acres of grounds and gardens that was a former dairy and now serves as an animal sanctuary.

Regular hours for the museum are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Groups of 10 or more are admitted by appointment only.

Those wanting more information on the Native American Day, or the museum in general, may call 870-598-3228.