Volunteer Gene Schaffner shows students how to throw a spear with an atlatl.

Following the first stage of development of the Nightengale Archaeological Center at Kingsland in 1988, residents in the Highland Lakes area organized the Llano Uplift Archeological Society (LUAS). From that time, the members have been strong supporters of the center's activities and have broadened opportunities for people to learn more about archaeology in the Texas Hill Country.

LUAS members have accepted the role of guides for public tours of the center. During Texas Archeological Month every October, LUAS helps to organize special events for members and the public. In addition, LUAS organizes field trips to record and investigate archaeological sites in Central Texas.

Volunteers and students look at artifacts in an excavation unit. (Photos courtesy Chuck Hixson of LUAS)

LUAS volunteers have participated in voluntary excavations at Nightengale, as well as assisting with the continuing excavations at the Graham-Applegate archeological site, which includes the remains of a 1,000-year-old Indian village. The group also has helped with periodic repairs of the archaic hut exhibit at Nightengale.

LUAS meets at the center at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, contact LUAS' Chuck Hixson by e-mail or phone (915) 388-6793.