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 in 1934, 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.

Speakers include:
• Edwin Wilmsen, co-author of the Lindenmeier final report, visiting from Scotland
• Colorado State University Prof. Jason LaBelle about current research onsite and the history of Lindenmeier
• University of Kansas Prof. Frederic Sellet about the Smithsonian Lindenmeier collections
• Kansas State University Prof. Nicole Waguespack about Colorado Folsom-era Paleoindians at Barger Gulch
• Doctoral candidate Cody Newton about the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Lindenmeier collections
• Pegi Jodry, of the Smithsonian, about Stewart’s Cattle Guard and Paleoindian spirituality
• Dennis Stanford, of the Smithsonian, about the peopling of North America
• Anasazi Heritage Center curator Bridget Ambler, museum curators and Larimer County Natural Areas Department staff

The symposium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and includes presentations and panel discussions at the Northside Aztlan Center, a reception at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery including a behind-the-scenes tour, a banquet at a local restaurant with keynote speaker Edwin Wilmsen, an exhibit recreating the Smithsonian’s Director’s Tent, and a field trip to the Lindenmeier site and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.

Registration is $175 and includes presentations Sunday through Tuesday, snacks, field trip (transportation/food not provided), dessert reception and banquet. Register at www.fcmod.org .