Vore Buffalo Jump Open House

The Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation Board will host an open house on June 2 from 8 am to 6 pm at the Vore Site located on Old Hwy 14 just east of Beulah, Wyoming. Tours will be offered and no admission will be charged. 
 
Archaeological excavations at the site have resulted in the discovery of more than two hundred stone tools, which include projectile points, knives, and scrapers. This collection, which was housed until recently at the University of Wyoming, will be on display. Jacqueline Wyatt, president of the non-profit Vore Buffalo Jump Foundation (VBJF), which now manages the Vore Site, stated, “This will be just the second time these stone tools will have been viewed by anyone other than UW researchers since they were removed from the sinkhole. The VBJF Board hopes that those who have driven by many times and haven’t yet stopped will take this opportunity to take a tour.” 
 
In addition to regular tours, visitors will be able to interact with archaeologists from the Black Hills National Forest while they work to preserve the bison bones at the site. VBJF Board member and Bearlodge Ranger District Archaeological Technician Jena Rizzi stated, “The Vore Buffalo Jump is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the United States. We will be working to preserve the stories that this special place holds so research can take place in the future. These activities will also ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy and learn about an important piece of history within the Great Plains.”
 
As part of the VBJF educational mission, the Vore Site hosts about 1000 students from the region in spring and fall field trip programs. Those who attend the open house will be able to do some of the activities enjoyed by young visitors including digging for souvenir arrow points and throwing darts at a target with a primitive throwing stick known as an atlatl. The VBJF Board recently received a grant from the Powder River Energy Foundation to support this educational effort. 
 
For more information, please contact Jacqueline Wyatt at 307 281-0011