There's a party at Town Creek Indian Mound July 11 thrown by the staff and everyone is invited! Come celebrate the birth of the "Godfather or North Carolina Archaeology," Dr. Joffre Coe, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how he taught the art and science of research in the dirt.
"If not for Dr. Coe's passion for discovery and learning," says Site Manager Rich Thompson, "we would not have such a complete history of American Indians in North Carolina."
Games and activities for kids as well as living history demonstrations will fill the day. For a special treat, cake and ice cream will be served during a birthday sing-along for Dr. Coe at 1 p.m. at this free event.
For more information please call (910) 439-6802 or contact the site at towncreek@ncdcr.gov. For more than 1,000 years American Indians farmed the lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1,000 a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee and western Piedmont North Carolina, inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new religion.
The mission of Town Creek is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina's only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Tour groups are welcome and encouraged. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.
Town Creek is within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, and located at 509 Town Creek Rd., Mount Gilead, N.C., 27306. For more information please call (910) 439-6802 or visit www.touncreekindianmound.com.