Phoenix’s Pueblo Grande Museum is offering a hands-on family experience that opens a window into Phoenix’s prehistoric and historic past at Ancient Technology Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 8.

Visitors can try their hand at throwing an atlatl (spear), creating their own petroglyph, weaving their own cloth, and tasting roasted agave slow-cooked the traditional way in an earthen oven. Admission to the event and museum, located at 4619 E. Washington St., are free for the day.

Artists will be on hand to demonstrate how the Hohokam people created various technologies such as flintknapping (making of arrowheads), pottery, shell and stone jewelry, weaving and more. With the popularity and success of last year’s addition of historic technologies, historic demonstrations from the Pioneer Days of Arizona such as cotton spinning, weaving, and chuck wagon cooking will continue to be featured during this annual event.

Ancient Technology Day is an official Arizona Scitech Festival event and an Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Month event. In addition to hands-on demonstrations and tours of the archaeological site, families can enjoy free craft activities and games, where they can practice their new ancient technology skills. Visitors will also learn about native desert foods at the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community’s Traditional Kitchen, and fry bread will be available for purchase.

Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum website for more information or call the museum at 602-495-0901.   back...