Sept. 26, 2012
MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville will celebrate archaeology with family-oriented activities from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 7.
The 20th annual “Archaeology Weekend” events are timed to coincide with West Virginia Archaeology Month. All activities are free and open to the public.
Highlights of the weekend include flint knapping demonstrations, behind-the-scenes tours of the West Virginia Archaeological Research and Curation Facility, special displays, nonstop showings of archaeology films, and hands-on activities for the whole family. On Saturday, Lori and Andy Majorsky, members of the World Atlatl Association, will provide a demonstration of spear throwing with a tool known as an atlatl. Lori Majorsky is a three-time Women’s World Champion of this prehistoric skill.
Visitors also are invited to complete a museum search and earn a prize donated by Marble King of Paden City, W.Va. Family activities will include making a paper plate puzzle, discovering maker’s marks on historic ceramics, molding small clay pots using prehistoric techniques, grinding corn with stone tools, creating a jumping jack turtle toy, and more. A new exhibit in the observation window of the research wing will be titled “What’s in a name? Ceramic Maker’s Marks from Blennerhassett Island.”
Rounding out the weekend celebration will be special displays of Native American artifacts and books by Marian Phillips, replica prehistoric tools by Robert and Jaynetta Walden, and crops from the museum’s Interpretive Garden. “Wild Liz” Harper, of the West Virginia Master Gardeners, will display examples of Native American wild plants, both culinary and medicinal. In addition, a slide presentation of archaeological work at the historic Cockayne Farmstead in Glen Dale, W.Va., will feature botanical materials excavated at the farm.
“Archaeology Weekend has become a popular event at Grave Creek. It’s fun and family-oriented with something to offer and challenge visitors of all ages,” said site manager David Rotenizer.
For more information about the celebration, contact Andrea Keller, cultural program coordinator at the facility, at (304) 843-4128 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Indicate in the message if you are interested in receiving notification of other upcoming programs at the Mound.
Operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features the largest conical burial mound in the New World and ranks as one of the largest earthen mortuary mounds anywhere in the world. The Delf Norona Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, 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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