The Marion Natural History Museum would like to thank Jim Pierson for his presentation on an introduction to Backyard Archaeology for our afterschool group. The students had a chance to take a close look at some of the artifacts he’s found in his backyard and were shown how to use a metal detector to help find some of these items. We learned some important suggestions for looking for artifacts, including to always ask permission when working on someone else’s property and use your eyes, brain and ears when looking for artifacts. If an article looks unusual or out of place given whatever else is in the area, take another closer look. It may have been worked by others for a purpose such as an arrowhead, old nails, parts of an old clock or farming equipment. Jim also helped us work on some spears made with rocks, twine and piping for the kids to take home with them, with their parent’s permission. For our future programs, please visit marionmuseum.org.