A student-assembled archaeological exhibit displaying artifacts from across Arkansas is on display at the Boreham Library on the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus.

 

The exhibit, titled “Discover Arkansas,” includes artifacts from across the state that range in time period from 6000 B.C. all the way to 1800 A.D., according to Tim Mulvihill, UAFS research station archaeologist.

 

“The exhibit shows the different time periods that have been defined in the past and some of the typical artifacts from each period,” he said. “The types of artifacts range from prehistoric spear points and grooved axes to celts, arrow points and pottery.”

 

Mulvihill said the oldest artifacts were archaic spear points, and the exhibit also displays pieces found at local locations, including the University-owned Drennen-Scott Historic Site.  

 

“Most of the newer artifacts on display are from the Drennen-Scott house and the property of Immaculate Conception,” he said.

 

The display, which was completed Dec. 4, is the result of a collaborative effort between Mulvihill, UAFS anthropology professor Dr. Dan Maher and the 12 students in Steve Kite’s Communicating through Exhibits course.

 

Mulvihill and Maher had already placed some items in the case and approached Kite’s class about revamping and improving the exhibit.

 

After agreeing to work on the project, Kite said his class began researching various time periods and items included in the exhibit. 

 

“We also looked at examples of good and bad exhibit designs around the region and configured the main themes and layout of the exhibit,” said Kite, who is an assistant professor of history. “A lot of our time was spent writing, typing, printing, cutting and mounting the dozens of labels needed for the exhibit.”

 

Kite said coordinating the exhibit was an invaluable learning experience for his students. 

 

“I think, above all else, the students learned the rudimentary skills and knowledge necessary for designing and creating an effective exhibit,” he said. “I also think that in the future, students will appreciate the time, effort and hard work that goes into creating a good exhibit.”

 

For more information about the exhibit, contact Kite at steve.kite@uafs.edu or 479-788-7362.