May 18, 2018
MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville will be planting its Interpretive Garden this year from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, and Saturday, June 2. The program is free and open to the public.
Guests are invited to plant crops chosen for the garden based on archaeological data and Native American traditions, such as sunflowers, corn, beans, squash and gourds. Each variety has its own unique story. A traditional gardening method of some Native American groups, visitors can plant seeds in small hills of earth using a replica of a prehistoric stone garden hoe. In the museum’s Activity Room, an educational display of seeds, books and other items will be provided courtesy of Marian Meg Phillips, along with activities relating to the Interpretive Garden.
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.
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