MARION, Ill. (Heartland News) - A traveling exhibit now at the Marion Carnegie Library is giving visitors a look at thousands of years of human history in Illinois.
“Illinois Archaeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State” opened Tuesday, August 18 and explores where and how people have lived across Illinois for the past 12,500 years.
The exhibit uses archaeological evidence to show how factors including climate change, conflict and new technology changed the way people lived over thousands of years.
Marion Carnegie Library Director Shelley Hudspath said the library was contacted about six months ago about bringing the traveling exhibit to Marion.
“We practically jumped out of our chairs and said yes, yes, we want you to come to Marion,” Hudspath said.
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The exhibit includes displays about the Native people who lived across Illinois and explains how archaeologists use artifacts and other evidence to learn about their lives.
Hudspath said visitors can follow a timeline stretching from 10,500 BCE to 1855. While many of the artifacts on display are replicas, the exhibit also includes authentic artifacts from people who lived in Illinois.
The exhibit also explains some of the work archaeologists do before construction projects begin.
“Before they dig a hole or plan a road, first archaeologists go in and make sure that we’re not disturbing a Native site that has existed for possibly 10,000 years,” Hudspath said.
The library marked the exhibit’s opening Tuesday evening with a program featuring Williamson County Historical Society President Sam Lattuca. He discussed how the history represented in the statewide exhibit connects specifically to Williamson County.
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Hudspath said the exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to look much farther into the area’s past than the history they may typically associate with Southern Illinois.
“We are a historical building with 110 years of history just right here, but 10,000 years—wow,” Hudspath said. “That is very important, very exciting to come and see.”
“Illinois Archaeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State” will remain on display at the Marion Carnegie Library through September 26.
After its run in Marion, Hudspath said the traveling exhibit is expected to move to the Sallie Logan Public Library in Murphysboro.
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