Hey there, fellow archaeology enthusiasts!
Let's walk down memory lane together and reminisce about the awe-inspiring journey we've had with International Archaeology Day (IAD)! This incredible event, created by the Archaeological Institute of America in collaboration with organizations nationwide, has been nothing short of a celebration of our remarkable human heritage.
For the last decade, the dedicated volunteers at Roxborough State Park were the organizers behind International Archaeology Day, fostering connections between local community members and archaeology professionals. With each passing year, the event flourished, drawing in a diverse crowd of exhibitors and attendees. But as time rolled on, the tides shifted, and it was our turn to take the helm. In 2023, Community Connections was bestowed the honor of hosting and organizing IAD, and boy, did we roll up our sleeves for the occasion!
Teaming up with the wonderful staff at Colorado Preservation Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we set our sights on securing a grant from the State Historic Fund to fuel our ambitious plans. With grant approval in place, we embarked on a mission to expand IAD! Little did we know how successful this event would turn out!
Last year, we shook things up by partnering with Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre for a fun "festival-like" experience in the Lower South Lot #2. We shifted gears from Roxborough for accessibility to the greater Denver metro area while maintaining the breathtaking backdrop of those iconic red rocks – talk about setting the stage for an archaeological adventure!
IAD 2023 was an absolute whirlwind of excitement! We welcomed over 1000 eager guests, hosted a whopping 36 exhibitors, led 5 captivating offsite cultural tours, featured 3 dynamic professional speakers, and were supported by a stellar team of 62 devoted volunteers. But wait, there's more! From live tipi demonstrations to earth watercolors, atlatl throwing, mouthwatering food trucks, a quaint beer garden boasting historic braggot, and even a sprinkle of face painting – we had it all! And the best part? It was all free, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community sponsors. Seriously, huge shoutout to you all for making it happen!! 🥹
But hey, the fun doesn't stop there! While IAD 23 may be a thing of the past, we're revving up for an even bigger and better experience come October 19, 2024! Our mission remains steadfast – to champion cultural diversity, inclusivity, and provide a vibrant platform for our BIPOC members to share their rich heritage and experiences within history and archaeology. At Community Connections, we firmly believe that history belongs to everyone, and by honoring our cultural roots, we pave the way for a brighter future!
That's where you come in, dear reader! We need your help to make IAD 24 another smash hit!
There are plenty of ways to get involved – whether it's lending a hand as a volunteer, joining us as a sponsor, showcasing your exhibit or booth, or simply being a visitor and soaking in the magic of archaeology firsthand!
Use our handy online form to start the excitement of IAD 24 🎉
So, what are you waiting for? Dive headfirst into the wonders of archaeology with us once again! Grab your friends, your sense of adventure, and mark your calendars for IAD 24 – it's gonna be an absolute blast!
See you there!
Jasmine
Are you passionate about preserving our shared human heritage? Help us secure matching funds for the State Historic Fund Grant, due April 1st, and make a lasting impact on International Archaeology Day (IAD) 2024! Your generous sponsorship will not only support our mission of promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity but also elevate IAD to new heights. Join us in shaping the future of archaeology – Email us at info@communityconnections.llc or fill out this form and become a sponsor today!
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More to come in two weeks!
Jasmine & Jess (J&J) 🌳
@CommunityConnectionsLLC