Sept. 27, 2018MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville will celebrate the 26th annual West Virginia Archaeology Day from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. The family-friendly program coincides with West Virginia Archaeology Month, celebrated throughout October.
Highlights of the day include making clay pots with artist Betsy Cox, owner/operator of Echo Valley Pottery in Glen Dale, W.Va., flint knapping demonstrations by Robert Walden of Poca, W.Va., behind-the-scenes tours of the West Virginia Archaeological Research and Collections Management Facility, a museum treasure hunt run by the Greater Moundsville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, archaeological films in the museum’s auditorium and other hands-on activities for the entire family. Special displays will include books and objects relating to Native Americans by Marian Phillips of Moundsville, W.Va., and replicas of prehistoric tools by Robert and Jaynetta Walden.
Hank D. Lutton, curator at Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, will lead behind-the-scenes tours of the collection and research area at the complex. Several other professional archaeologists also will be on hand to discuss some of the work their companies are doing and demonstrations throughout the day. Weather permitting, John Boilegh, environmental specialist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will perform a demonstration in spear throwing using the atlatl. The atlatl made hunting more effective thousands of years before the bow and arrow were developed.
Visitors also are invited to view the newly installed exhibits that interpret the history of Grave Creek Mound as well as local prehistory.
Operated by the West Virginia Department of Arts, 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.
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