If you are interested in building your own atlatl and darts, you can sign up for Bob Berg’s atlatl workshop at the Chimney Point Historic Site in Addison, Vt. Friday, September 20 from noon to 5 p.m. The cost is $65. You can preregister by calling Chimney Point at 802-759-2412. The event is part of the historic site’s 18th Annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship.
The main championship event is on Saturday, September 21, when everyone from novices to some of the best in America compete, and demonstrations and workshops about ancient crafts and skills on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is a highlight of September’s Vermont Archaeology Month. Come watch or participate in this unusual and interesting event on the shores of Lake Champlain. Admission includes the museum with the special exhibit on bridge archeological findings, new exhibits on the 1929 bridge, and shop with books and other items on the area’s Native American, French, and early American history. Saturday the admission fee is $4.00 for adults and free for children under 15. Sunday it is $3.00 for adults and free for children under 15.
The weekend at Chimney Point features:
Friday, September 20 Noon-5:00: atlatl workshop with Robert Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl, $65 fee includes materials and instruction, pre-registration required. Berg teaches all over the United States and Europe. Call 802-759-2412 to pre-register.
Saturday, September 21 9:30: Museum opens. 10:00-4:00: demonstrations of Woodland pottery making with Charlie Paquin, flint knapping with Barry Keagan, and atlatl, cordage making and more with Thunderbird Atlatl.
10:30 until: finished atlatl competition. $6.00 on site fee for competitors (pre-registration at $5.00 each is urged). Girls, boys, women, and men’s categories. All skills and abilities welcome. International Standards Accuracy Competition first, then shooting at painted animal targets to test accuracy, and lastly distance.
Sunday, September 22 10:00: small International Standards Accuracy Competition, followed by master coaching for those who want to learn or improve (approx. 11:00-Noon). 11:00-3:00: Intermediate workshop on primitive skills, including pottery and flint knapping, with Charlie Paquin, Barry Keagan, and Robert Berg. Workshop pre-registration appreciated. Observers welcome. 1:00: Walkabout tour of the Chimney Point site to learn about the archaeological findings for the Lake Champlain Bridge project. Wear sturdy shoes. All included in admission fee.
The Chimney Point State Historic Site presents the history of the region’s three earliest cultures—Native American, French Colonial, and early American. The site was used by Native Americans for thousands of years, was the location of the 1731 French fort, and the museum is in the c.1785 tavern building. It is located at 8149 VT Route 17W in Addison at the foot of the new Lake Champlain Bridge. The site is open 9:30 to 5:00, Wednesdays through Sundays, through Columbus Day, October 14. Call 802-759-2412 for information.
For more information about the Vermont State-Owned Historic Sites visit www.historicsites.vermont.gov. Join the Vermont State Historic Sites conversation on Facebook.
