Nov. 21, 2017
MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a program titled “It’s All About Stuff” presented by Todd Johnson, better known by his Huron name, Ghost in the Head. The program will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Johnson draws from his Huron heritage as he discusses the traditional ways of the people of the Eastern Woodlands and the changes brought about with the introduction of European trade goods. The presentation will showcase an extensive display of accurate replicas of Native American artifacts such as weapons, tools, clothing, hunting and fishing gear and jewelry. It will be an interactive conversation that encourages audience participation. The program is geared towards participants of all ages – both children and adults are welcome.
Ghost in the Head has been educating and presenting programs about the Eastern Woodland Indians since 1999. He has been a presenter at several historic sites, including Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village. He has conducted staff training workshops at both sites, including the workshop, “How to Present Interpretive Programs on Eastern Woodland Indians.” He also appeared in documentaries pertaining to the 18th century time period and has received two letters of recognition from the United States Congress for his portrayal of Huron heritage.
Operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features one of the largest conical burial mounds built by the Adena people between 250 - 150 B.C. and ranks as one of the largest earthen mortuary mounds anywhere in the world. Exhibits and displays in the Delf Norona Museum interpret what is known about the lives of these prehistoric people and the construction of the mound. The complex also houses the West Virginia Archaeological Research and Collections Management Facility.
Admission to Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex is free. The Delf Norona Museum, located at 801 Jefferson Avenue, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Outdoor access closes at 4:30 p.m.
For more information about activities and programs at Grave Creek Mound, contact Andrea Keller, cultural program coordinator, at (304) 843-4128 or andrea.k.keller@wv.gov or visit www.facebook.com/gravecreekmound and www.twitter.com/gravecreekmound.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the Office of Secretary of Education and the Arts with Gayle Manchin, cabinet secretary. The division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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