HAMPSON ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM STATE PARK
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park in Wilson, Arkansas, exhibits a nationally renowned collection from the Nodena site. This was a 15-acre palisaded village that once thrived on the Mississippi River in what is today Mississippi County. Hampson Archeological Museum interprets the lifestyles of this farming-based civilization that lived there from A.D. 1400 to 1650. Artifacts and exhibits share the story of this early aboriginal population of farmers who cultivated crops and supplemented their food resources with hunting native game while developing its art, religion, and political structure along with a thriving trading network. This remarkable collection owes its preservation to the late Dr. James K. Hampson and his family.
Admission is free. The museum is located on the unique town square in Wilson on the corner of US Hwy 61 and Park Avenue. A knowledgeable, friendly staff leads group and private tours. Facilities also include a picnic area.
The park, located in Wilson, Arkansas, is named after Dr. James K. Hampson who began excavating the site in 1929.
Hampson and his family discovered a significant Late Mississippian Culture village on their Island 35 plantation around this time.
After decades of excavation work by various archaeologists including Hampson's son-in-law Thomas E Lewis Jr., it was designated as an archaeological state park in 1961.
In addition to preserving artifacts from AD1400-1650 period Nodena Site villagers' daily life; pottery pieces and stone tools are also displayed at its museum facility opened since March 2019.
This location offers educational programs about Native American culture for visitors while continuing research into prehistoric societies that once inhabited Northeastern Arkansas region.