Contributed by Lindsay Randall
On Thursday, February 21 we will be hosting our Family Fun with Archaeology event. This free event will have activities such as building Lego models of ancient ruins, playing Native American musical instruments, making a clay pot, and more.
Since we have run the program a few times, I have been thinking of ways that we might add new activities for kids and adults to do together.
One of the new interactive activities for families is creating a fishing net. Fishing has played a vital role in New England’s history, from the First People to today. Ancient nets were made of various plant fibers and used in a variety of ways to catch fish in rivers.
While talking with Ellen Berkland, archaeologist for the Department of Recreation and Conservation, about an archaeology event at Maudsley State Park in Newburyport, MA that she hosted in October, she mentioned that she had included net making. I was instantly intrigued!
After talking with Ellen and googling “net making,” as well as watching a few YouTube videos, I settled on using the simple overhand knot to make the net. I also decided to use different color strings to help make it easier for people to see what strings they are working with.
Here is my attempt at making a net – I think it looks pretty good for a first time!
If you want to try your hand at this or other crafts, come to the Peabody next month!
Event Information
Date: Thursday February 21
Time: 9 am – NOON
Fee: FREE
The Peabody 