Lindenmeier Symposium brings world renowned archaeologists to Fort Collins

Lindenmeier: Ancient Lives, Ancient Dreams is a symposium celebrating Soapstone Prairie Natural Area’s Lindenmeier archeological site, the largest Paleoindian site in North America. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution’s visit to the National Historic Landmark.

Scientists discovered a Folsom point wedged into an ancient bison bone at Lindenmeier, helping to prove the presence of humans at the location at least 10,000 years ago. The symposium, featuring Edwin N. Wilmsen as the keynote speaker (co-author with Frank H.H. Roberts of Lindenmeier: Concluding Report of Investigations), will be Oct. 19-22. Registration and details are at www.fcmod.org .

Invited speakers include:
• Dr. Jason LaBelle, about current research onsite
• Dr. David Meltzer, about Folsom Paleoindians
• Dr. Steven Holen, about the peopling of North America
• Dr. Frederic Sellet, about the Smithsonian Lindenmeier collections
• Dr. Nicole Waguespack, about Colorado Folsom-era Paleoindians at Barger Gulch
• Experts on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science collections
• Local historians

This line-up of speakers represents at “who is who” of expert archaeologists from around the world, together for the first time ever. The symposium is a once in a lifetime opportunity and includes presentations and panel discussions at the Northside Aztlan Center, receptions at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery including a behind the scenes tour, a banquet at Rio Grande restaurant, and a field trip to the Lindenmeier site. Registration is $150 until July 1, then registration will be $175, at www.fcmod.org.

A variety of events and activities focusing on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area’s historical and natural importance will be offered throughout 2014. For a full listing of events and activities, visit NatureTracker.fcgov.com, call 970-416-2815, or email [email protected].