by Leisa McCracken | Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 * 9:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Exploring the secrets of a 200-year-old homestead and how its environment influenced early settlers is the focus of a new program offered by The Institute.
Presented in partnership with Little Antietam Creek, Inc. (LACI), “Archaeology, Geology and the Environment: Exploration on the Stoner Farm,” is the first in The Institute’s new series of Discover programs for students in grades 5–12 (ages 10 to 17).
Students will join Institute educators and LACI archaeologists to “dig into the past” at the historic Stoner Farm, an active, working archaeological site in Waynesboro.
With archaeologist Scott Parker, students will learn the why, what, and how of archaeology, including how artifacts are processed and what they can tell us about how the Stoners lived.
Hands-on activities include digging and working with artifacts, testing the properties of limestone and soil, looking for new dig sites using remote sensing, and learning how limestone is cut and mortar is made.
Institute educators, Pam Rowland, Bruce Rowland, and Beth Skroban will explore the history, geography, and environment of the farm.
Students will discover why the Stoners built in this spot, and how they used the natural resources around them (soil, trees, rocks, water, and vegetation).
In addition, they will examine the rock used to construct the buildings on the property.
The program fee is $20 for members of The Institute and $25 for the general public.
Pre-registration is required by Friday, July 29.
Sign up NOW! Enrollment limited to 20.
by Leisa McCracken | Dec 2, 2021
Sunday December 19th, 2021 * 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Red Run Park
The Institute is hosting their second annual Winter Solstice Celebration.
The winter solstice is the longest night—or the shortest day—of the year, and falls on December 21 this year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important astronomical occurrence and celebrated the “return of the sun” in a variety of ways.
After the solstice, the days get gradually longer.
The Institute’s solstice event is a family-friendly celebration of the season, and features winter folktale storyteller Bruce Rowland (at 4:30), hands-on solstice activities for children including making garlands of popcorn and berries and edible ornaments for animals, live music, fire-pit warming stations, and hot chocolate stations (hot chocolate courtesy of Martin’s Foods of Waynesboro).
Members of the Tri-State Astronomers club will be on hand with telescopes to safely observe the solstice sun.
After sunset, there will be opportunities to view the celestial features of the winter sky.
Shop with our Vendors:
Artesano Bake Goods: cookies, holiday snack mix and whoopie pies
Four Sons Farm: handcrafted wool creations
The Native Niche: bird food bundles, outdoor winter decorations, and natural “solstice crowns” of winter foliage
The event is free!
For questions, email us at info@natureandcultureinstitute.org. The entire event is outdoors, so dress accordingly.
