Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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A covered excavation reveals information about the former inhabitants of Chucalissa and their way of life. On the basis of archaeological evidence, the chief ' s house was built where it first stood. The circle of the other houses was built approxi- mately where we believe they were originally. We also think there was some type of temple on the mound, but it hasn ' t been excavated yet. Dioramas in the huts depict farmers, craftsmen and artists who raised the r crops in river bottoms below the village and made their own tools and implements as well as ceramic pottery. Excavation sites show a cross section of village deposits, an ori- ginal house floor and a burial area, all left exactly as they were found. Blow-gun contests are one of the many summer activities at Chucalissa. 16 Academics

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Recent excavations showed that Chu- calissa was founded in 1000 A.D., abandon- ed and occupied several times until 1500 A.D. It remained an abandoned town until the 1930 ' s when the Civilian Conservation Corps uncovered the town while constructing Fuller State Park. Acquired by MSU in 1962, the site was rebuilt through the efforts of the late Charles H. Nash, one-time director of the museum and MSU instructor. Nine thatched-roof huts, a chief ' s house and two enclosed archaeological excavation sites are points of interest in the reconstruct- ed village. Wood Bell examines maize from Chucalissa ' s summer garden. Mark Haggitt, educational coordinator, demonstrates archaelogical field techniques for a Continuing Education class. Gary Eaton restores pottery thought to be over 500 years old. Academics 15

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With the addition of the modern $250,000 Charles H. Nash Museum to the original museum facility in 1976, Chucalissa was equipped to provide visitors with new exhibits and a 100-seat auditorium for slide presentations. Museum staff members were also involved in various community ser- vices, including identification of archaeological sites in the area. We go to high schools and ele- mentary schools and give talks and demonstrations that realistically tell how the Indians lived. This summer Wood Bell and Grady John, whose Choctaw families live and work on the grounds, have given talks and craft demonstrations at the public libraries, said Haggitt. If anyone finds any pottery, arrowheads or bones, said Smith, we ' d love to see them and attempt to identify them. We ' ve learned many facts about the area as a result of people bringing artifacts to us. We can help the public and it can help us. Mark Haggitt explains the ancient Indian method of drying animal skins to a group of visitors touring the village. William Hancock and Pat Sledge paint mannequins for one of the museum ' s life-size exhibits. Academics 17