What Makes a Pithouse a Pithome?
Exploring Fremont Households Through Archeology and Experimental Reconstructions
Thursday, May 9
Pithouses are among the oldest known housing types found anywhere in the world. These structures were more than just a place to escape the elements, they were the centers of life for the families who called them home. While seemingly simple compared to the houses we occupy now, the Fremont invested their homes with the same meanings of comfort and protection that we do today. We can explore that meaning through a careful analysis of the domestic household features and artifacts we recover in these structures. Join Dr. Tim Riley as he explores how these structures were made and utilized by Fremont farmers here in Eastern Utah. He will review the archaeological data on pithouses and other Fremont architectural forms, such as granaries, before presenting his experimental research on how they are built.
Family Day at the Museum
Saturday, May 11 | 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Prehistoric Museum
Join museum staff, board members, and volunteers at the museum for a fun day of activities for the whole family!- Free admission all day (9am-7pm)
- Kid’s activities (11am-3pm)
Fremont Field Trip
Sunday, May 12
Join Dr. Tim Riley as he explores one of the regions the Fremont called home a millennium ago. The tour will explore several Fremont habitation sites in southern Emery County and highlight the diversity of communities that these farming peoples called home. There will be some moderate hiking at some of the sites, including crossing a dry arroyo. Please prepare to be outside most of the day and take appropriate precautions (water, food, sun protection, sturdy shoes).
Tour capped at 10 people
