Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex will offer kids the opportunity to create a friendly snowman ornament for this holiday season beginning Thursday, Nov. 13, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009. The snowman can be hung on a tree, wreath, window or door knob to welcome in the season’s festivities. The holiday craft ornament is a free activity and children of all ages are invited to participate during regular museum hours.
The holiday craft activity is timed to coincide with the start of the annual “Tree Gala” in the Delf Norona Museum. Sponsored by the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce and Health Right, the museum will be decorated with 15 holiday trees, wreathes and centerpieces which have been decorated by individuals, churches, organizations and businesses in the region. A special Light-Up Ceremony will be held in the museum at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 13.
The holiday decorations will be on display through Thursday, Dec. 4, when there will be an auction to sell the trees, wreathes and centerpieces. Pre-bids can be made on specific items by calling the Chamber at (304) 845-2773. Health Right and the Chamber will split the proceeds.
For more information about the holiday craft activity, call Andrea Keller, cultural program coordinator for the Mound, at (304) 843-4128, ext. 202, or e-mail her at [email protected].
Operated by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features one of the largest and most famous burial mounds built by the prehistoric Adena people. A massive undertaking, construction of the mound took place in successive stages from about 250-150 B.C., and required the movement of more than 60,000 tons of earth. Exhibits and displays in the complex’s museum interpret what is known about the lives of these prehistoric people and the construction of the mound. The Archaeological Complex is located at 801 Jefferson Ave., in Moundsville. Contact the museum for information regarding group registration and detailed driving directions. The museum is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Access to the mound closes 30 minutes before the museum.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Its administrative offices are located at the Cultural Center in the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, which also houses the state archives and state museum. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. The agency also operates a network of museums and historic sites across the state. For more information about the Division’s programs, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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