Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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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

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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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ROTC Extends Learning to the Skies Night flying blends special navigational skills with unique beauty. Above skyscrapers a tiny black dot broke through the clouds. It would have been unnoticed if not for the white haze that marked its trail. Young men taking advantage of a thrilling learning opportunity flew these jet planes. During 1976 the Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program taught over 1500 graduates national ROTC programs the mastery of flying jets. From Memphis State University five second lieutenants were called to serve. 18 Academics