The Indian Village was a new attraction at last year's Native American Day at the local museum, and will be making a return appearance on Saturday, Sept. 13. (Times file photo) [Click to enlarge]

The sights and sounds of another era will once again visit the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center in Piggott on Saturday, Sept. 13, as the museum hosts its fifth annual Native American Day.

Activities will be going on from noon to 3 p.m. that day on the museum grounds. There is no charge for admission but there will be no house tours that day.

Making a return visit this year will be R. W. "Dub" Lyerly from Ash Flat, an amateur archeologist. Lyerly will be on hand to identify artifacts and answer questions. He will also speak about the history of the early inhabitants of Northeast Arkansas. The public is also invited to bring artifacts to be identified.

Another feature will be knappers, who will be demonstrating the art of "knapping." the process used to by Native Americans to produce arrowheads and other tools. This will give visitors the opportunity to see an arrowhead crafted from scratch.

The museum is also pleased to welcome back Boy Scouts from the Cape Girardeau area that are members of the "Order of the Arrow". This group will once-again perform authentic Native American dances in full period dress. This year the Scouts will also be setting up an Indian village complete with tepees, displays and will be doing demonstrations of Native American crafts.

PHS art instructor Jerri Tate and several of her students will also be assisting young guests in making pinch pots, a primitive form of clay pottery.

Organizers also report there will be free hot dogs and soft drinks and a variety of souvenirs from the museum store will be available for under $5.

The Native American Day is hosted each year by the museum in an effort to educate the public and create an interest in the history and culture of the Native Americans of the region.

Those wanting more information about the Native American Day activities, or the museum and study center, may call 870-598-3228. The museum is located on the east end of Heritage Park Road in Piggott.